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A biopsy of the hypopharynx, designated by CPT® Code 42802, is a medical procedure that involves the removal of a small tissue sample from the lower part of the throat, known as the hypopharynx. The hypopharynx is anatomically located below the hyoid bone and extends to the lower aspect of the cricoid cartilage. This area is crucial as it connects the esophagus and the larynx, playing a significant role in both swallowing and breathing. The procedure is typically performed when there is a need to investigate abnormal growths or lesions within this region, which may be indicative of various medical conditions, including malignancies. During the biopsy, a general anesthetic is usually administered to ensure the patient is comfortable and pain-free. Once the area is adequately numbed, a tissue sample is excised from the identified abnormality and subsequently sent for laboratory analysis. This analysis is essential for diagnosing the nature of the lesion and determining the appropriate course of treatment. The biopsy of the hypopharynx is a critical diagnostic tool in the management of conditions affecting the throat and surrounding structures.
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Biopsy of the hypopharynx is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure for a hypopharyngeal biopsy involves several critical steps to ensure accurate tissue sampling and patient safety:
After the hypopharyngeal biopsy, patients are typically monitored in a recovery area until the effects of anesthesia wear off. It is common for patients to experience some throat discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain relief medications. Patients are advised to avoid eating or drinking until they have fully recovered from anesthesia and can swallow safely. Follow-up appointments are essential to discuss the results of the laboratory analysis of the biopsy sample, and further treatment options may be determined based on the findings. Additionally, patients should be informed about signs of complications, such as excessive bleeding or infection, and instructed to seek medical attention if these occur.
| Short Descr | BIOPSY OF THROAT | Medium Descr | BIOPSY HYPOPHARYNX | Long Descr | Biopsy; hypopharynx | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 010 - 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) | 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 | Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | none | MUE | Not applicable/unspecified. | CCS Clinical Classification | 31 - Diagnostic procedures on nose, mouth and pharynx |
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