Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
RedactPHI
HIPAA-Compliant PHI Redaction
DetectICD10CM
ICD-10-CM Code Detection
Log in Register free account
1 code page views remaining. Guest accounts are limited to 1 page view. Register free account to get 5 more views.
Log in Register free account

Official Description

Fracture nasal inferior turbinate(s), therapeutic

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

This procedure, identified by CPT® Code 30930, is specifically designed to address nasal obstruction that arises from the hypertrophy, or overgrowth, of the inferior turbinates. The inferior turbinates are bony structures located within the nasal cavity that help to regulate airflow and humidify the air we breathe. When these structures become enlarged, they can significantly impede nasal airflow, leading to difficulty in breathing through the nose. The therapeutic intervention involves the insertion of an elevator into the nasal passage, targeting the inferior turbinate. The physician applies controlled force in a lateral and inferior direction to displace the inferior turbinate, effectively reducing its size and alleviating the obstruction. In some cases, the procedure may begin with the elevator being placed in the inferior meatus, where the turbinate is first infractured, followed by an outfracture to further assist in restoring normal airflow. This procedure may be performed bilaterally, meaning it can be repeated on the opposite side of the nasal cavity as necessary to achieve optimal results.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure coded as CPT® 30930 is indicated for patients experiencing nasal obstruction due to the hypertrophy of the inferior turbinates. This condition can lead to various symptoms that significantly affect the quality of life, including:

  • Nasal Congestion Persistent blockage of the nasal passages, making it difficult to breathe through the nose.
  • Difficulty Breathing Impaired airflow through the nasal cavity, which may lead to reliance on mouth breathing.
  • Sinus Pressure or Pain Increased pressure in the sinus cavities due to obstructed airflow, potentially resulting in discomfort or pain.
  • Sleep Disturbances Problems such as snoring or sleep apnea that can arise from obstructed nasal passages during sleep.

2. Procedure

The procedure involves several key steps to effectively treat the hypertrophy of the inferior turbinates. The following outlines the procedural steps as described:

  • Step 1: The physician begins by preparing the patient for the procedure, ensuring that the nasal passages are adequately visualized and that the patient is in a comfortable position.
  • Step 2: An elevator is then carefully inserted into the nasal cavity, reaching the level of the inferior turbinate. This instrument is designed to facilitate the manipulation of the turbinate.
  • Step 3: Once the elevator is in position, the physician applies force in a lateral and inferior direction. This action displaces the inferior turbinate, effectively reducing its size and alleviating the obstruction it causes.
  • Step 4: In some cases, the elevator may first be placed in the inferior meatus. The physician then performs an infracture of the turbinate, followed by an outfracture to further assist in restoring normal airflow.
  • Step 5: If necessary, the procedure is repeated on the opposite side to ensure bilateral treatment of the inferior turbinates, thereby maximizing the effectiveness of the intervention.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the procedure, patients may experience some degree of nasal discomfort or swelling, which is a normal part of the healing process. Post-procedure care typically includes monitoring for any signs of complications, such as excessive bleeding or infection. Patients are often advised to avoid strenuous activities and to follow up with their healthcare provider to assess the effectiveness of the procedure and to ensure proper recovery. Additionally, instructions regarding nasal care and any prescribed medications, such as pain relievers or nasal sprays, should be followed closely to promote healing and comfort.

Short Descr THER FX NASAL INF TURBINATE
Medium Descr FRACTURE NASAL INFERIOR TURBINATE THERAPEUTIC
Long Descr Fracture nasal inferior turbinate(s), therapeutic
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) 2 - 150% payment adjustment 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 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) P6C - Minor procedures - other (Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 144 - Treatment, facial fracture or dislocation
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).
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.
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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.
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).
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.
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.)
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
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
E2 Lower left, eyelid
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)
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
Date
Action
Notes
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
2006-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"