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The CPT® Code 31070 refers to a surgical procedure known as a frontal sinusotomy, specifically an external and simple approach, often described as a trephine operation. This procedure involves making a precise skin incision located above the eye, specifically on the inner aspect just beneath the eyebrow. The primary objective of this operation is to gain access to the frontal sinus, which is a cavity located within the frontal bone of the skull. To achieve this access, a trephine or perforator is utilized to remove a small disc of bone from the frontal bone, thereby creating an opening into the sinus. Once access is established, one or more catheters are inserted into the sinus to facilitate effective drainage of any accumulated fluids or infections. These catheters are strategically left in place to ensure ongoing drainage, and the surrounding subcutaneous tissue and skin are then carefully closed around the catheters to promote healing while maintaining the integrity of the surgical site.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 31070 is indicated for various conditions affecting the frontal sinus. These may include:
The procedure begins with the patient positioned appropriately to allow optimal access to the frontal sinus. A skin incision is made above the eye, specifically on the inner aspect just beneath the eyebrow. This incision is carefully planned to minimize scarring and ensure access to the frontal bone. Once the incision is made, the underlying tissues are gently dissected to expose the frontal bone. A trephine or perforator is then employed to remove a small disc of bone from the frontal bone, creating an opening into the frontal sinus. This step is critical as it allows for direct access to the sinus cavity. Following the creation of the opening, one or more catheters are advanced into the sinus. These catheters serve the essential function of facilitating drainage, allowing any accumulated fluids or infectious materials to be evacuated from the sinus. After the catheters are positioned correctly, they are left in place to ensure continued drainage. The final step involves closing the subcutaneous tissue and skin around the catheters, which is done meticulously to promote healing and maintain the integrity of the surgical site.
Post-procedure care for a frontal sinusotomy includes monitoring the patient for any signs of complications, such as infection or excessive bleeding. The catheters left in place will require regular assessment to ensure they are functioning properly and facilitating adequate drainage. Patients may be advised on specific care instructions, including how to manage any discomfort and the importance of keeping the surgical site clean. Follow-up appointments will be necessary to evaluate the healing process and to determine if further intervention is required. Recovery time may vary depending on the individual patient's condition and the extent of the procedure, but patients are generally advised to avoid strenuous activities during the initial recovery phase.
| Short Descr | EXPLORATION OF FRONTAL SINUS | Medium Descr | SINUSOTOMY FRONTAL EXTERNAL SIMPLE | Long Descr | Sinusotomy frontal; external, simple (trephine operation) | 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). | 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. | 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.) | 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) | 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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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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