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A primary rhinoplasty, designated by CPT® Code 30400, is a surgical procedure aimed at reshaping the nose to enhance its appearance and function. This procedure is typically indicated for patients seeking to correct aesthetic concerns or functional issues related to the nasal structure. Prior to the surgery, the physician conducts a thorough assessment, which includes taking photographs of the nose and formulating a detailed surgical plan tailored to the individual’s needs. The rhinoplasty can be performed using two primary techniques: the closed technique, where all incisions are made inside the nostrils, and the open technique, which involves an additional incision across the columella, the tissue that separates the nostrils. During the procedure, the surgeon marks the skin of the nose, using the preoperative photographs as a reference to guide the reshaping process. The focus of CPT® Code 30400 is on the lateral and alar cartilages, which are the supportive structures of the nose, and/or the elevation of the nasal tip. If the nose is perceived as too wide, the surgeon may remove cartilage from the sides to achieve a more refined contour. The nasal tip is also reshaped to ensure it projects elegantly from the dorsal bridge line, contributing to a harmonious overall appearance. This procedure is distinct from other rhinoplasty codes, such as CPT® Code 30410, which involves more extensive reshaping of the external nasal structures, including the bony pyramid, and CPT® Code 30420, which includes major septal repair. Overall, primary rhinoplasty is a complex yet rewarding procedure that can significantly improve both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the nose.
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The primary rhinoplasty procedure, represented by CPT® Code 30400, is indicated for various aesthetic and functional concerns related to the nose. The following conditions may warrant the performance of this procedure:
The primary rhinoplasty procedure involves several key steps that are crucial for achieving the desired outcome. The following outlines the procedural steps associated with CPT® Code 30400:
After the primary rhinoplasty procedure, patients can expect a recovery period that may involve some swelling and bruising around the nose and eyes. Post-operative care typically includes instructions for managing discomfort, keeping the head elevated, and avoiding strenuous activities. The surgeon may recommend follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure that the nasal structures are settling into their new positions. Nasal splints or packing may remain in place for a specified duration to maintain the integrity of the nasal shape and support the septum. Patients are advised to adhere to all post-operative guidelines to facilitate optimal recovery and achieve the best possible aesthetic results.
| Short Descr | RECONSTRUCTION OF NOSE | Medium Descr | RHINP PRIM LAT&ALAR CRTLGS&/ELVTN NASAL TI | Long Descr | Rhinoplasty, primary; lateral and alar cartilages and/or elevation of nasal tip | Status Code | Restricted Coverage | 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) | P5E - Ambulatory procedures - other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 28 - Plastic procedures on nose |
| 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. | 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. | 80 | Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s). | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | 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 | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | SG | Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service |
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| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Medium Descriptor changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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