education | May 10, 2026

What is procedure code 30140?

CPT® 30140 describes submucous excision of the inferior turbinate where an incision is made in the mucosal layer of the turbinate and the tissue is lifted off the bone.

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Simply so, is CPT 30140 a bilateral procedure?

For the submucous resection of the inferior turbinate (partial or complete, any method) use code 30140. For the excision of submucous resection of the middle or superior turbinate(s), when that is the only procedure the otolaryngologist performed in that area, the CPT Manual directs you to use the 30999 unlisted code.

Similarly, what is resect inferior turbinate? A submucosal resection of the turbinate is removal of bone from the lower turbinates. They are made of small bones that are surrounded by soft tissue. These turbinates filter, moisten, and heat air as it enters the nose. Submucosal resection of turbinates may be done in combination with a septoplasty .

In respect to this, is CPT code 31237 a bilateral code?

The CPT codes in questions were 31237 and 31237-50. The “-50” is the bilateral modifier, signifying the procedure was performed bilaterally and by appending this modifier the reimbursement is increased. Debridement is the removal of unhealthy tissue and, when performed, warrants use of the debridement code.

What is the CPT code for rhinoplasty?

30400

Related Question Answers

Is CPT 30930 bilateral?

Both CPT® and Medicare consider 30930 unilateral and allow modifier 50 when the procedure is performed bilaterally, even though the code description states “turbinate(s).” 30930 includes one or both inferior turbinates. Therefore, if therapeutic fracture of nasal turbinates is performed bilaterally, modifier 50 …

Is septoplasty cosmetic?

A: A septoplasty is performed to correct a deviated nasal septum. Most septoplasties are not cosmetic but instead address functional issues, including obstructions to airflow through the nostril(s). If a septoplasty is part of cosmetic surgery, it would likely be during a rhinoplasty.

What is the CPT code for turbinate reduction?

30802

What is ablation soft tissue of inferior turbinates?

CPT code 30802 Ablation, soft tissue of inferior turbinates, unilateral or bilateral, any method (eg, electrocautery, radiofrequency ablation, or tissue volume reduction; intramural (ie, submucosal)is the ablation or cauterization of the depper mucosal solt tissue.

Does Aetna cover deviated septum surgery?

Aetna considers extracorporeal septoplasty medically necessary for initial correction of an extremely deviated nasal septum that can not adequately be corrected with an intranasal approach, for members who meet criteria for septoplasty listed above. Aetna considers rhinoplasty a cosmetic surgical procedure.

What is procedure code 31237?

The CPT code 31237 applies to debridement. Example: You may report debridements following septoplasty or turbinate surgery for FESS, as the debridement is performed for an unrelated diagnosis-use Modifier 79 (31237-79).

What is the CPT code for nasal endoscopy?

31231

What is the correct CPT code for nose endoscopy surgical?

31254, Nasal/sinus endoscopy, surgical; with ethmoidectomy, partial (anterior) 31276, Nasal/sinus endoscopy, surgical, with frontal sinus exploration, with or without removal of tissue from frontal sinus.

What is the correct CPT code for sinus endoscopy surgical?

Clinical UM Guideline
CPT
31267 Nasal/sinus endoscopy, surgical, with maxillary antrostomy; with removal of tissue from maxillary sinus
31276 Nasal/sinus endoscopy, surgical, with frontal sinus exploration, including removal of tissue from frontal sinus, when performed
31287 Nasal/sinus endoscopy, surgical, with sphenoidotomy

What is the CPT code for Fess?

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) Codes
CPT Code Descriptor
31267 Nasal/sinus endoscopy, surgical, with maxillary antrostomy; with removal of tissue from maxillary sinus
31276 Nasal/sinus endoscopy, surgical; with frontal sinus exploration, including removal of tissue from frontal sinus, when performed

Is turbinate surgery safe?

While turbinate surgery is generally safe, there are a few risks. The main risk is removing too much tissue, which means the turbinates can't warm and humidify the air you breathe. The result is a permanently dry, crusty nose that can be painful.

Do turbinates grow back after surgery?

Unlike other techniques, after which the turbinates can grow back after a couple of years, the result is usually permanent. If sinusitis is present (either linked to a displaced septum or hypertrophy of the turbinates), we will correct it by means of nasal endoscopic surgery.

Is turbinate surgery painful?

Turbinates: normal and abnormal comparison It is an office procedure, performed under local anesthesia, and it takes about 10 minutes. Usually there's no pain on the recovery process, no change on the physical aspect and no long-term side effects, such as loss on olfactory perception.

How long is turbinate surgery?

approximately 10 minutes

How effective is turbinate surgery?

At 1 month postoperatively the overall success rate, as defined by patient satisfaction, was 82%, but this declined steadily with time to 60% at 3 months, 54% at 1 year and 41% at 1-16 years. There was no significant difference found in the success rates between methods of turbinate reduction used.

Is turbinate surgery covered by insurance?

Insurance companies do not cover cosmetic portions, if, for example, a patient has rhinoplasty performed at the same time. The average cost for inferior turbinate reduction surgery is between $2,000-$3,500.

Why do turbinates decrease?

Turbinate reduction is usually indicated when enlargement obstructs other portions of the nose and airway causing disorders such as sleep apnea, congestion, postnasal drip, and difficulty breathing. Turbinates are the portion of your nose that works to warm and moisten the air you breathe.

Are turbinates bones?

turbinates (turbinate bones or nasal conchae) are thin, curved, bony plates that project from the walls of the nasal cavity into the respiratory passageway.

What is procedure code 30520?

CPT 30520, Under Repair Procedures on the Nose The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code 30520 as maintained by American Medical Association, is a medical procedural code under the range - Repair Procedures on the Nose.