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Official Description

Biopsy, intranasal

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 30100 refers to an intranasal biopsy, which is a medical intervention performed by a physician to obtain tissue samples from the inner lining of the nasal passage. This procedure is typically indicated when there is a lesion or abnormal tissue that requires further examination. To begin the process, the physician will first cleanse the area to ensure a sterile environment, which is crucial for preventing infection. Following this, a local anesthetic is administered to minimize discomfort for the patient during the biopsy. The physician then utilizes a scalpel, biopsy forceps, or other specialized techniques to extract one or more tissue samples from the targeted area. These samples are subsequently sent to a laboratory for histological evaluation, which is a separate reportable service that provides detailed information about the cellular structure of the tissue. After the biopsy is completed, it is common practice to pack the nose to control any potential bleeding that may occur as a result of the procedure. This comprehensive approach ensures that the biopsy is performed safely and effectively, allowing for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning based on the histological findings.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The intranasal biopsy procedure is indicated for various conditions that may affect the nasal passage. These indications include:

  • Lesions Presence of abnormal growths or lesions within the nasal cavity that require further investigation to determine their nature.
  • Suspicious Tissue Areas of tissue that appear abnormal or concerning during a physical examination, warranting histological analysis.
  • Chronic Nasal Symptoms Persistent nasal symptoms that do not respond to standard treatments, suggesting an underlying pathological process.

2. Procedure

The procedure for an intranasal biopsy involves several critical steps to ensure accurate tissue sampling. First, the physician prepares the patient by cleansing the nasal area thoroughly to eliminate any potential contaminants. This step is essential for maintaining a sterile field during the biopsy. Next, a local anesthetic is injected into the area to numb the tissue, thereby minimizing discomfort for the patient throughout the procedure. Once the area is adequately anesthetized, the physician proceeds to obtain tissue samples. This can be accomplished using a scalpel, biopsy forceps, or other specialized instruments designed for this purpose. The choice of instrument may depend on the specific characteristics of the lesion or tissue being biopsied. After the tissue samples are collected, they are carefully placed in appropriate containers and sent to a laboratory for histological evaluation. This evaluation is crucial for diagnosing any underlying conditions based on the cellular composition of the sampled tissue. Finally, to manage any bleeding that may occur post-biopsy, the physician may pack the nasal cavity with gauze or other materials, ensuring that hemostasis is achieved before concluding the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

After the intranasal biopsy, patients may experience some discomfort or minor bleeding, which is typically managed with nasal packing. It is important for patients to follow any post-procedure care instructions provided by the physician, which may include avoiding strenuous activities, refraining from blowing the nose, and monitoring for any signs of excessive bleeding or infection. Patients should also be informed about the timeline for receiving histological results, as this information is critical for determining the next steps in their care. Follow-up appointments may be necessary to discuss the biopsy results and any further treatment options based on the findings.

Short Descr INTRANASAL BIOPSY
Medium Descr BIOPSY INTRANASAL
Long Descr Biopsy, intranasal
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) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
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 Office-based surgical procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later with MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs; payment based on MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P6C - Minor procedures - other (Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 2
CCS Clinical Classification 31 - Diagnostic 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).
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.
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.
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.
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.)
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
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)
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2019-01-01 Note AMA Guidelines changed.
1992-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1992.
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