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Official Description

Displacement therapy (Proetz type)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Proetz-type displacement therapy is a specialized medical procedure aimed at treating chronic sinus infections, commonly known as chronic sinusitis. This condition arises when the sinuses, which are air-filled cavities located within the bones of the face and skull, become inflamed and obstructed. In healthy individuals, the sinuses communicate with the nasal cavity through small openings called ostia, allowing for the free exchange of air and fluids. However, in patients suffering from chronic sinusitis, these ostia can become blocked, leading to a buildup of mucus and pus within the sinus cavities. The Proetz technique involves a series of steps designed to clear these obstructions. By utilizing a combination of saline solution and epinephrine, the procedure aims to displace the accumulated mucus and pus, thereby restoring normal sinus function. The patient is positioned supine with their head tilted back to facilitate the procedure, which includes the application of intermittent negative pressure to effectively remove air and fluid from the sinuses. This method not only alleviates symptoms associated with chronic sinusitis but also promotes healing by allowing the sinuses to be flushed and filled with a therapeutic solution.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The Proetz-type displacement therapy is indicated for patients suffering from chronic sinus infections, specifically chronic sinusitis. This condition is characterized by the inflammation and obstruction of the sinus cavities, leading to symptoms such as nasal congestion, facial pain or pressure, and the presence of thick nasal discharge. The procedure is particularly beneficial for individuals whose ostia are obstructed, preventing the normal drainage of mucus and air from the sinuses.

  • Chronic Sinusitis The primary indication for Proetz-type displacement therapy is chronic sinusitis, where the sinuses become inflamed and obstructed, leading to persistent symptoms.

2. Procedure

The Proetz-type displacement therapy involves several key procedural steps designed to effectively clear the sinuses. The patient is first positioned supine, with their head tilted back to facilitate access to the nasal cavities. This positioning is crucial for the subsequent steps of the procedure.

  • Step 1: Preparation The procedure begins with the instillation of several drops of epinephrine into each nasal cavity. This medication serves to constrict the inflamed nasal tissue, reducing swelling and allowing for better access to the sinus openings.
  • Step 2: Instillation of Solution Following the application of epinephrine, a mixture of epinephrine and saline solution is instilled into the nasal cavities. This combination is essential for displacing the accumulated pus and mucus within the sinuses.
  • Step 3: Application of Negative Pressure Intermittent negative pressure is then applied using suction. This technique helps to remove air and fluid from the sinuses, creating a vacuum effect that aids in the expulsion of obstructive materials.
  • Step 4: Refill of Sinus Cavities When the negative pressure is released, the sinus cavities are allowed to fill with the epinephrine and saline solution. This step is repeated several times to ensure thorough flushing of the sinuses, effectively clearing out pus and mucus.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of Proetz-type displacement therapy, patients may experience temporary relief from sinus pressure and congestion. It is important for patients to follow any post-procedure care instructions provided by their healthcare provider. This may include recommendations for hydration, avoiding irritants, and monitoring for any signs of complications. The expected recovery time can vary, but many patients report improvement in their symptoms shortly after the procedure. Follow-up appointments may be necessary to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and to determine if additional interventions are required.

Short Descr NASAL SINUS THERAPY
Medium Descr DISPLACEMENT THERAPY PROETZ TYPE
Long Descr Displacement therapy (Proetz type)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 010 - 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 1
CCS Clinical Classification 32 - Other non-OR therapeutic 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).
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.)
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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Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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