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The CPT® Code 21343 refers to the open treatment of a depressed frontal sinus fracture. This procedure involves a surgical intervention where the physician accesses the fractured area of the frontal sinus, which is located in the forehead region. The access can be achieved through a bicoronal incision, which runs across the top of the head from ear to ear, or through incisions that are made directly over the site of the fracture. During the procedure, the physician may need to remove any sinus mucosa that is damaged or obstructing the view of the fracture. Once the fracture is adequately exposed, the physician stabilizes it using various fixation methods, such as wires, plates, or screws, to ensure proper alignment and healing. After the stabilization of the fracture, all incisions made during the procedure are meticulously closed to promote healing and minimize scarring.
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The open treatment of a depressed frontal sinus fracture is indicated in specific clinical scenarios where there is a need to address a fracture that has caused depression in the frontal sinus area. This procedure is typically performed when the following conditions are present:
The procedure for the open treatment of a depressed frontal sinus fracture involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment and recovery. Each step is designed to address the fracture and restore normal function.
After the open treatment of a depressed frontal sinus fracture, patients typically require monitoring for any immediate complications. Post-procedure care may include pain management, instructions for wound care, and follow-up appointments to assess healing. Patients are advised to avoid activities that may strain the surgical site, and they may need to adhere to specific guidelines regarding physical activity and hygiene to ensure proper recovery. The expected recovery time can vary based on the extent of the fracture and the individual patient's healing process.
| Short Descr | OPEN TX DPRSD FRONT SINUS FX | Medium Descr | OPEN TX DEPRESSED FRONTAL SINUS FRACTURE | Long Descr | Open treatment of depressed frontal sinus fracture | 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) | 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required... | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Inpatient Procedures, not paid under OPPS | 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). | 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). | 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. | 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.) | 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 | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) |
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| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Short Descriptor changed. |
| 1990-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1990. |
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