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Official Description

Nasal/sinus endoscopy, surgical, with maxillary antrostomy;

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

A surgical nasal/sinus endoscopy with maxillary antrostomy is a specialized procedure that involves the use of an endoscope to visualize and treat conditions affecting the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, particularly the maxillary sinus. This procedure is typically indicated for patients experiencing chronic sinusitis or other sinus-related issues that do not respond to conservative treatments. During the procedure, a topical nasal decongestant may be applied to reduce swelling and facilitate access to the nasal passages. Additionally, a local anesthetic with a vasoconstrictor is often utilized to minimize discomfort and control bleeding. The endoscope, a thin, flexible tube equipped with a camera and light source, is inserted through the nostril to allow the surgeon to inspect the nasal cavity and sinuses for any abnormalities or disease processes. The procedure specifically involves the removal of the uncinate process, which is a small bone structure in the nasal cavity, to gain access to the maxillary sinus. This access is crucial for performing the maxillary antrostomy, which involves creating an opening in the maxillary sinus to improve drainage and facilitate the removal of diseased tissue. Overall, this procedure aims to alleviate symptoms associated with sinus disease and restore normal sinus function.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Chronic Sinusitis Persistent inflammation of the sinuses that lasts for an extended period, often requiring surgical intervention when conservative treatments fail.
  • Sinus Disease Various diseases affecting the sinuses that may lead to obstruction, infection, or other complications.
  • Abnormalities in the Nasal Cavity Any structural abnormalities that may impede normal sinus drainage and function.

2. Procedure

The procedure consists of several key steps that are performed to ensure effective access and treatment of the maxillary sinus:

  • Preparation The patient is prepared for the procedure, which includes the application of a topical nasal decongestant to reduce swelling and a local anesthetic with a vasoconstrictor to minimize discomfort and control bleeding during the surgery.
  • Endoscope Introduction An endoscope is carefully introduced through the nostril into the nasal cavity. This instrument allows the surgeon to visualize the nasal passages and paranasal sinuses in real-time.
  • Inspection The nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses are thoroughly inspected for any signs of disease or abnormalities that may require intervention.
  • Uncinectomy The uncinate process, a small bone structure in the nasal cavity, is removed to facilitate access to the maxillary sinus. This is achieved by using upbiting forceps to grasp the uncinate process and displace its free edge anteriorly.
  • Fragment Removal A microdebrider is utilized to remove any remaining fragments of the uncinate process, ensuring that the natural maxillary sinus ostium is clearly visualized.
  • Maxillary Ostium Seeker Placement An ostium seeker is placed through the ostium to enlarge the maxillary sinus ostium, allowing for better drainage and access.
  • Completion of Maxillary Antrostomy The maxillary antrostomy is completed using through-cutting forceps, creating a sufficient opening in the maxillary sinus for further treatment or drainage.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care typically involves monitoring the patient for any immediate complications and providing instructions for recovery. Patients may experience some discomfort, nasal congestion, or minor bleeding following the procedure. It is essential to follow up with the healthcare provider to assess healing and ensure that the sinus drainage is functioning properly. Additional treatments or medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms and promote recovery.

Short Descr EXPLORATION MAXILLARY SINUS
Medium Descr NASAL/SINUS ENDOSCOPY W/MAXILLARY ANTROSTOMY
Long Descr Nasal/sinus endoscopy, surgical, with maxillary antrostomy;
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 3 - Special payment adjustment rules for multiple endoscopic 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.
Endoscopic Base Code 31231  Nasal endoscopy, diagnostic, unilateral or bilateral (separate 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) P8I - Endoscopy - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 33 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on nose, mouth and pharynx
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).
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).
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
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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
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.
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.)
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
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
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
X3 Episodic/broad services: for reporting services by clinicians who have broad responsibility for the comprehensive needs of the patient that is limited to a defined period and circumstance such as a hospitalization; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to the hospitalist's services rendered providing comprehensive and general care to a patient while admitted to the hospital
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XP Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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2010-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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