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The CPT® Code 21336 refers to the open treatment of a nasal septal fracture, which involves a surgical procedure performed to correct a fracture in the nasal septum. The nasal septum is the cartilage and bone structure that divides the nasal cavity into two nostrils. In this procedure, the physician makes an incision along the nasal septum to gain direct access to the fractured area. This open approach allows for better visualization and manipulation of the fractured cartilage, which is essential for proper alignment and healing. The procedure may involve the use of various instruments, such as forceps and nasal elevators, to realign the fractured segments of the septum. Additionally, the physician may excise portions of bone or cartilage if necessary to facilitate the repositioning of the septum. After the fracture has been addressed, the incisions are closed, and splints may be applied to stabilize the area and promote healing. This procedure is critical for restoring normal nasal function and aesthetics following a fracture.
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The open treatment of a nasal septal fracture, coded as CPT® 21336, is indicated for patients who have sustained a fracture of the nasal septum. This procedure is typically performed when the fracture is significant enough to require surgical intervention rather than conservative management. The following conditions may warrant the use of this procedure:
The open treatment of a nasal septal fracture involves several key procedural steps to ensure effective correction of the fracture. The following outlines the detailed steps involved in this surgical procedure:
Following the open treatment of a nasal septal fracture, patients can expect a recovery period that may involve specific post-procedure care. It is important for patients to follow their physician's instructions regarding care to ensure optimal healing. Common post-procedure considerations include:
Patients may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the nasal area, which can be managed with prescribed pain medications. It is also advised to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for a specified period to prevent complications. Follow-up appointments will be necessary to monitor the healing process and to remove any sutures if non-dissolvable sutures were used. Additionally, patients should be aware of signs of complications, such as increased pain, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection, and report these to their healthcare provider promptly.
| Short Descr | OPEN TX SEPTAL FX W/WO STABJ | Medium Descr | OPEN TX NASAL SEPTAL FRACTURE W/WO STABILIZATION | Long Descr | Open treatment of nasal septal fracture, with or without stabilization | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 090 - Major Surgery | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 0 - 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) | P3D - Major procedure, orthopedic - other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 144 - Treatment, facial fracture or dislocation |
| 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). | 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. | 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.) | 82 | Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s). | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | SG | Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility 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 |
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| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Short Descriptor changed. |
| 1993-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1993. |
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