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Submucosal ablation of the tongue base is a medical procedure that utilizes radiofrequency tissue ablation (RFTA) to reshape and reduce the base of the tongue. This technique is particularly relevant for patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that can be exacerbated by hypertrophy, or enlargement, of the tongue base. The procedure is performed at one or more sites within the tongue base, aiming to alleviate airway obstruction caused by the enlarged tissue. During the procedure, a radiofrequency electrode is carefully inserted through the chin and advanced into the base of the tongue, ensuring that the mucosa is not punctured. Once in position, the electrode is activated to generate a thermal lesion that is confined entirely within the muscular layer of the tongue. This method allows for precise control over the size and shape of the lesions created, as the electrode can be repositioned and activated at multiple sites along the tongue base. It is important to note that multiple treatment sessions may be necessary to achieve optimal results, and each session is reported separately for coding and billing purposes.
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The submucosal ablation of the tongue base using radiofrequency is indicated for patients who exhibit symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, particularly when these symptoms are attributed to hypertrophy of the tongue base. This procedure is typically considered when conservative treatments have failed or when the anatomical structure of the tongue is contributing to airway obstruction during sleep.
The procedure for submucosal ablation of the tongue base involves several key steps to ensure effective treatment. First, the patient is positioned appropriately to allow access to the chin area, where the electrode will be inserted. The area is prepared and sterilized to minimize the risk of infection.
After the procedure, patients may experience some discomfort or swelling in the area of the tongue base. It is important for healthcare providers to monitor the patient for any signs of complications, such as infection or excessive bleeding. Patients are typically advised on post-procedure care, which may include pain management strategies and instructions on dietary modifications to facilitate healing. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and to determine if additional sessions are necessary for optimal results.
| Short Descr | TONGUE BASE VOL REDUCTION | Medium Descr | SUBMUCOSAL ABLTJ TONGUE RF 1/> SITES PR SESSION | Long Descr | Submucosal ablation of the tongue base, radiofrequency, 1 or more sites, per session | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 000 - Endoscopic or 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) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 0 - 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 | Office-based surgical procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later with MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs; payment based on MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs. | 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 |
| 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). | 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. | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician |
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| 2010-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| 2009-01-01 | Added | - |
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