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Official Description

Rhinoplasty, primary; complete, external parts including bony pyramid, lateral and alar cartilages, and/or elevation of nasal tip

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

A primary rhinoplasty, designated by CPT® Code 30410, is a surgical procedure aimed at reshaping the nose to enhance its appearance and function. This operation is typically performed on patients seeking to correct aesthetic concerns or structural issues with their nasal anatomy. Prior to the surgery, the physician conducts a thorough evaluation, which includes taking photographs of the nose and formulating a detailed surgical plan tailored to the individual’s needs. The procedure can be executed using two primary techniques: the closed technique, where all incisions are made inside the nostrils, or the open technique, which involves an additional incision across the columella, the tissue that separates the nostrils. During the surgery, the physician carefully marks the skin of the nose, using the preoperative photographs as a reference to guide the reshaping process. The procedure involves the manipulation of various components of the nasal structure, including the lateral and alar cartilages, as well as the elevation of the nasal tip. If the nose is excessively wide, cartilage may be excised from the sides to achieve a more refined contour. The nasal tip is also reshaped to ensure it projects harmoniously from the dorsal bridge line. In the context of CPT® Code 30410, a complete rhinoplasty is performed, which includes the reshaping of external parts such as the bony pyramid of the nose. The surgical approach involves incisions made along the columella and the rims of the nose, allowing for the elevation of skin and soft tissue from the lateral cartilages and the bony dorsum. The septum is incised, and a mucoperichondrial flap is opened to access the underlying structures. The surgeon may remove cartilage and bone using specialized instruments like shavers and chisels, and the bony pyramid may be fractured and reshaped to correct any deformities. Additionally, cartilage grafts obtained during the contouring process can be utilized to support and reshape other areas of the nose, ensuring a balanced and aesthetically pleasing result.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The primary rhinoplasty procedure, as described by CPT® Code 30410, is indicated for various aesthetic and functional concerns related to the nose. The following conditions may warrant the performance of this procedure:

  • Cosmetic Enhancement - Patients seeking to improve the overall appearance of their nose, including alterations to size, shape, and projection.
  • Structural Deformities - Individuals with congenital or acquired deformities of the nasal structure that affect both aesthetics and function.
  • Trauma - Patients who have sustained injuries to the nose resulting in deformities or functional impairments.
  • Breathing Difficulties - Cases where nasal obstruction or breathing difficulties are present due to structural abnormalities that can be corrected through rhinoplasty.

2. Procedure

The procedure for a primary rhinoplasty (CPT® Code 30410) involves several detailed steps to ensure a successful outcome. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Preoperative Planning - The surgeon begins by taking photographs of the patient's nose and discussing the desired outcomes with the patient. A comprehensive surgical plan is developed based on the patient's specific needs and anatomical considerations.
  • Step 2: Anesthesia Administration - The patient is administered anesthesia to ensure comfort throughout the procedure. This may involve local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the surgery and the patient's preference.
  • Step 3: Incision Creation - The surgeon makes incisions either entirely within the nostrils (closed technique) or includes an additional incision across the columella (open technique). This allows access to the underlying nasal structures.
  • Step 4: Elevation of Skin and Soft Tissue - The skin and soft tissue of the nose are carefully elevated off the lateral cartilages and the bony dorsum, providing the surgeon with a clear view of the nasal framework.
  • Step 5: Reshaping of Cartilage and Bone - The septum is incised, and a mucoperichondrial flap is opened. The surgeon then removes excess cartilage and bone using shavers and chisels. The bony pyramid may be fractured and reshaped to correct any deformities.
  • Step 6: Cartilage Grafting - If necessary, cartilage grafts obtained during the contouring process are utilized to support and reshape other areas of the nose, ensuring a balanced appearance.
  • Step 7: Closure of Incisions - Once the reshaping is complete, the incisions are meticulously closed. Splints may be placed inside the nose to maintain the position of the septum, and nasal packing may be used to control any bleeding.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the primary rhinoplasty procedure, patients are typically monitored in a recovery area. Post-operative care includes instructions for managing discomfort, swelling, and any potential bleeding. Patients may be advised to keep their head elevated and to avoid strenuous activities for a specified period to promote healing. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the healing process and to remove any splints or packing as necessary. The expected recovery time can vary, but patients should anticipate some swelling and bruising, which will gradually subside over the following weeks. It is crucial for patients to adhere to their surgeon's post-operative instructions to ensure optimal results and minimize complications.

Short Descr RECONSTRUCTION OF NOSE
Medium Descr RHINP PRIM COMPLETE XTRNL PARTS
Long Descr Rhinoplasty, primary; complete, external parts including bony pyramid, 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) 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply 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
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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.
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.)
82 Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s).
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
CS Cost-sharing waived for specified covid-19 testing-related services that result in and order for or administration of a covid-19 test and/or used for cost-sharing waived preventive services furnished via telehealth in rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers during the covid-19 public health emergency
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
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