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Official Description

Sinusotomy frontal; obliterative, with osteoplastic flap, brow incision

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Obliterative frontal sinusotomy, as described by CPT® Code 31084, is a surgical procedure aimed at addressing issues related to the frontal sinus, particularly in cases where other treatments have failed. This procedure is less commonly performed today but may still be indicated for patients suffering from intractable frontal sinusitis, complications arising from previous surgical interventions, or conditions such as mucopyocele. The technique involves creating a brow incision and utilizing an osteoplastic flap to access the frontal sinus. The procedure entails the removal of the frontal sinus mucosa and obliteration of the sinus cavity, which is typically filled with abdominal fat to prevent future complications. The detailed steps of the procedure highlight the surgical approach and the meticulous care taken to ensure proper closure and recovery. This code is essential for medical coders and billers to accurately represent the surgical intervention performed, ensuring appropriate reimbursement and compliance with coding standards.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

Obliterative frontal sinusotomy (CPT® Code 31084) is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Intractable Frontal Sinusitis - A chronic condition where the frontal sinus becomes persistently inflamed and infected, leading to significant discomfort and complications.
  • Failed Endoscopic Treatment - Situations where previous endoscopic procedures have not successfully resolved the issues within the frontal sinus.
  • Mucopyocele - A condition characterized by the accumulation of mucus and pus within the sinus, often requiring surgical intervention to alleviate pressure and prevent further complications.
  • Late Complications of Previous Open Obliteration Procedures - Instances where earlier surgical attempts to obliterate the sinus have resulted in complications that necessitate further surgical intervention.
  • Failed Open Obliteration - Cases where previous open surgical techniques to obliterate the sinus have not achieved the desired outcome, leading to the need for a repeat procedure.

2. Procedure

The obliterative frontal sinusotomy procedure (CPT® Code 31084) involves several detailed steps to ensure effective access and treatment of the frontal sinus:

  • Step 1: Incision - A seagull-shaped incision is made immediately below the eyebrow, extending across the upper aspect of the nose and below the other eyebrow. This incision is carefully carried down through the subcutaneous tissue to the periosteum, allowing for adequate access to the underlying structures.
  • Step 2: Elevation of Tissues - Once the incision is made, the tissues are elevated off the underlying frontal bone to expose the area where the frontal sinus is located. This step is crucial for ensuring that the surgeon has a clear view and access to the sinus.
  • Step 3: Bone Access - An oscillating saw or drill is utilized to cut through the bone directly over the frontal sinus. The bone may either be left hinged on one side or completely removed, depending on the surgical approach and the specific needs of the procedure.
  • Step 4: Mucosa Removal - The frontal sinus mucosa is then elevated and removed entirely, often with the assistance of a drill and an endoscope to ensure thorough ablation of the mucosal tissue.
  • Step 5: Sinus Obliteration - After the mucosa has been completely ablated, the frontal sinus ostium is plugged with cellulose or other suitable material. The sinus cavity is then obliterated by filling it with abdominal fat, which helps to prevent future complications and maintain the integrity of surrounding structures.
  • Step 6: Bone Flap Replacement - The bone flap that was previously cut is replaced and secured in position using plates and screws, ensuring stability and proper healing.
  • Step 7: Closure - Finally, the soft tissues and skin are closed in layers to promote optimal healing and minimize scarring.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following an obliterative frontal sinusotomy (CPT® Code 31084) typically involves monitoring for any signs of complications, such as infection or excessive bleeding. Patients may be advised to avoid strenuous activities and follow specific instructions regarding wound care to ensure proper healing. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess recovery and address any concerns that may arise during the healing process. The expected recovery time may vary based on individual patient factors and the extent of the procedure performed.

Short Descr REMOVAL OF FRONTAL SINUS
Medium Descr SINUSOT FRNT OBLIT W/OSTPL FLAP BROW INC
Long Descr Sinusotomy frontal; obliterative, with osteoplastic flap, brow incision
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) 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required...
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 Device-intensive procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later; paid at adjusted rate.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P1G - Major procedure - Other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 33 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on nose, mouth and pharynx
62 Two surgeons: when 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier 62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on code(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. if additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. note: if a co-surgeon acts as an assistant in the performance of additional procedure(s), other than those reported with the modifier 62, during the same surgical session, those services may be reported using separate procedure code(s) with modifier 80 or modifier 82 added, as appropriate.
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)
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Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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