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The CPT® Code 30140 refers to the procedure known as submucous resection of the inferior turbinate, which can be performed either partially or completely using any method. This surgical intervention is primarily aimed at alleviating nasal obstruction that arises due to the enlargement of the soft tissue or bone within the inferior turbinate. The inferior turbinate is one of three sets of turbinates, or conchae, located on each side of the nasal vestibule, specifically identified as inferior, middle, or superior based on their anatomical position. These turbinates consist of bony structures covered by a layer of spongy mucosa, which plays a crucial role in humidifying and filtering the air we breathe. The inferior turbinate is situated on the lower lateral wall of the nasal cavity, making it accessible through the nostril for surgical procedures. During the submucous resection, the physician first removes the outer layer of the turbinate mucosa, followed by the excision of part or all of the underlying turbinate bone. After this removal, the inner portion of the mucosa is folded over the surgical site and secured with sutures, promoting healing and minimizing complications. This procedure is essential for patients suffering from chronic nasal obstruction, enhancing their quality of life by improving airflow through the nasal passages.
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The submucous resection of the inferior turbinate (CPT® Code 30140) is indicated for patients experiencing nasal obstruction due to the enlargement of the inferior turbinate. This condition may manifest as difficulty breathing through the nose, chronic nasal congestion, or other related symptoms that significantly impact the patient's quality of life. The procedure is typically considered when conservative treatments, such as medication or nasal sprays, have failed to provide adequate relief.
The submucous resection of the inferior turbinate involves several key procedural steps that ensure effective treatment of nasal obstruction. The procedure begins with the patient positioned appropriately to allow access to the nasal cavity. The physician then administers local anesthesia to minimize discomfort during the surgery. Following anesthesia, the physician approaches the inferior turbinate through the nostril, where the outer layer of the turbinate mucosa is carefully excised. This step is crucial as it exposes the underlying bone of the turbinate. Once the mucosa is removed, the physician proceeds to resect part or all of the turbinate bone, depending on the extent of the enlargement and the specific needs of the patient. After the bone removal, the inner layer of the mucosa is folded over the surgical site, covering the exposed area. This flap is then secured in place with sutures to promote healing and minimize the risk of complications. The entire procedure is designed to restore normal airflow through the nasal passages while preserving as much of the turbinate structure as possible.
After the submucous resection of the inferior turbinate, patients are typically monitored for a short period to ensure there are no immediate complications. Post-procedure care may include instructions for nasal hygiene, such as saline rinses, to keep the nasal passages moist and promote healing. Patients may experience some swelling and discomfort in the nasal area, which can be managed with prescribed pain relief medications. It is essential for patients to follow up with their physician to assess the healing process and address any concerns. Full recovery may take several weeks, during which patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities and refrain from blowing their noses to prevent disruption of the surgical site. Overall, the procedure aims to provide significant relief from nasal obstruction and improve the patient's overall respiratory function.
| Short Descr | RESECT INFERIOR TURBINATE | Medium Descr | SUBMUCOUS RESCJ INFERIOR TURBINATE PRTL/COMPL | Long Descr | Submucous resection inferior turbinate, partial or complete, any method | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC | ASC Payment Indicator | Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P5E - Ambulatory procedures - other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 33 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on nose, mouth and pharynx |
| 51 | Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 50 | Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | SG | Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure | 76 | Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service | CR | Catastrophe/disaster related | 22 | Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | 52 | Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use). | 53 | Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use). | 54 | Surgical care only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performs a surgical procedure and another provides preoperative and/or postoperative management, surgical services may be identified by adding modifier 54 to the usual procedure number. | 58 | Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78. | 73 | Discontinued out-patient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) procedure prior to the administration of anesthesia: due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, the physician may cancel a surgical or diagnostic procedure subsequent to the patient's surgical preparation (including sedation when provided, and being taken to the room where the procedure is to be performed), but prior to the administration of anesthesia (local, regional block(s) or general). under these circumstances, the intended service that is prepared for but cancelled can be reported by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 73. note: the elective cancellation of a service prior to the administration of anesthesia and/or surgical preparation of the patient should not be reported. for physician reporting of a discontinued procedure, see modifier 53. | 78 | Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.) | 79 | Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.) | 80 | Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s). | AQ | Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa) | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | CG | Policy criteria applied | ET | Emergency services | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | Q1 | Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study | Q6 | Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area | SC | Medically necessary service or supply | T1 | Left foot, second digit |
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| 2006-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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