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The CPT® Code 31087 refers to a surgical procedure known as a nonobliterative frontal sinusotomy performed through a coronal incision. This procedure is specifically designed to access the frontal sinus, which is located in the forehead area, to treat conditions such as chronic sinusitis or other diseases affecting the sinus. The term "nonobliterative" indicates that the procedure aims to preserve the sinus's natural anatomy rather than permanently close it off. The coronal incision, which runs from one ear to the other along the hairline, allows for a broad and unobstructed view of the surgical field. This approach is particularly advantageous as it minimizes trauma to the surrounding tissues and provides adequate access to the frontal bone and sinus. During the procedure, the surgeon elevates the temporalis fascia and fat pad while carefully protecting the facial nerve branches, ensuring that the surrounding structures remain intact. The frontal bone is then opened to expose the frontal sinus, allowing for the removal of any purulent material and diseased tissue. The mucosa is completely ablated to promote healing and prevent future complications. After the necessary interventions, the bone flap is replaced and secured, followed by layered closure of the soft tissues and skin. This meticulous approach is essential for achieving optimal surgical outcomes and facilitating recovery.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 31087 is indicated for various conditions affecting the frontal sinus. These may include:
The surgical steps for CPT® Code 31087 are as follows:
Post-procedure care for patients undergoing a frontal sinusotomy includes monitoring for any signs of complications such as infection or excessive bleeding. Patients are typically advised to rest and may be prescribed pain management medications to alleviate discomfort. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess healing and ensure that the sinus is functioning properly. Patients may also receive instructions on nasal care and hygiene to promote recovery and prevent future sinus issues.
| Short Descr | REMOVAL OF FRONTAL SINUS | Medium Descr | SINUSOT FRNT NONOBLIT W/OSTPL FLAP CORONAL INC | Long Descr | Sinusotomy frontal; nonobliterative, with osteoplastic flap, coronal 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 |
| 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). | 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). | 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. | 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) |
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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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