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Official Description

Excision, nasal polyp(s), extensive

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Nasal polyps are non-cancerous growths that develop on the mucous membranes of the nasal passages or sinuses. These growths typically appear in a teardrop shape and can vary in size. They are often associated with chronic inflammation and can lead to various symptoms, including nasal obstruction, loss of smell, and sinus infections. The procedure coded as CPT® 30115 refers to the excision of extensive nasal polyp(s), which indicates a more complicated removal process compared to simpler procedures. In this case, the excision is performed using advanced techniques such as a mechanical suction device or a microdebrider, which allows for precise removal of the polyps. This procedure is typically conducted in an outpatient surgical facility under general anesthesia, ensuring that the patient is comfortable and pain-free during the operation. It is important to differentiate this procedure from simpler polypectomies, such as those coded under CPT® 30110, which are performed in an office setting with local anesthesia. The choice of procedure depends on the complexity of the polyp removal required and the patient's specific medical needs.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The excision of nasal polyp(s) using CPT® code 30115 is indicated for patients presenting with extensive nasal polyps that may cause significant nasal obstruction or other related symptoms. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:

  • Chronic Sinusitis Patients suffering from chronic sinusitis may develop nasal polyps as a result of ongoing inflammation, leading to persistent symptoms that do not respond to medical management.
  • Nasal Obstruction Extensive nasal polyps can obstruct airflow through the nasal passages, causing difficulty in breathing and impacting the quality of life.
  • Loss of Smell Patients may experience a diminished sense of smell (hyposmia or anosmia) due to the presence of large nasal polyps, which can interfere with olfactory function.
  • Recurrent Sinus Infections The presence of nasal polyps can contribute to recurrent sinus infections, necessitating surgical intervention to alleviate symptoms and reduce infection frequency.

2. Procedure

The procedure for excising extensive nasal polyp(s) involves several critical steps to ensure effective removal and patient safety. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Preoperative Assessment Prior to the procedure, a thorough evaluation of the patient's medical history and current symptoms is conducted. This assessment may include imaging studies, such as CT scans, to determine the extent of the polyps and plan the surgical approach.
  • Step 2: Anesthesia Administration The patient is taken to the outpatient surgical facility where general anesthesia is administered. This ensures that the patient remains unconscious and pain-free throughout the procedure.
  • Step 3: Surgical Access The surgeon gains access to the nasal cavity using specialized instruments. This may involve the use of endoscopic techniques to visualize the polyps clearly and navigate the nasal passages effectively.
  • Step 4: Polyp Excision Using a mechanical suction device or microdebrider, the surgeon carefully removes the extensive nasal polyps. These tools allow for precise excision while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
  • Step 5: Hemostasis and Closure After the polyps are excised, the surgeon ensures that any bleeding is controlled (hemostasis) before concluding the procedure. The nasal passages may be packed with gauze or other materials to support healing.
  • Step 6: Postoperative Monitoring The patient is monitored in the recovery area until the effects of anesthesia wear off. Vital signs are checked, and the patient is assessed for any immediate complications.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the excision of nasal polyp(s) using CPT® code 30115, patients can expect a recovery period that may involve specific care instructions. Post-procedure care typically includes monitoring for any signs of bleeding or infection. Patients may experience nasal congestion, discomfort, or mild pain, which can be managed with prescribed medications. It is essential for patients to follow up with their healthcare provider to assess healing and determine if any additional treatments are necessary. Patients are often advised to avoid strenuous activities and to refrain from blowing their noses for a specified period to promote optimal healing. Additionally, saline nasal sprays or rinses may be recommended to keep the nasal passages moist and facilitate recovery.

Short Descr REMOVAL OF NOSE POLYP(S)
Medium Descr EXCISION NASAL POLYP EXTENSIVE
Long Descr Excision, nasal polyp(s), extensive
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) 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
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).
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.
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.
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.)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
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)
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
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
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