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Official Description

Control oropharyngeal hemorrhage, primary or secondary (eg, post-tonsillectomy); complicated, requiring hospitalization

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 42961 pertains to the medical procedure involved in controlling oropharyngeal hemorrhage, which can be classified as either primary or secondary. Primary oropharyngeal hemorrhage occurs without any preceding surgical intervention, while secondary oropharyngeal hemorrhage is typically a complication arising from surgical procedures, such as a tonsillectomy. This code specifically addresses cases where the control of the hemorrhage is complicated enough to necessitate hospitalization. During the procedure, the physician conducts a thorough examination of the throat to identify the specific sites of bleeding. Various techniques may be employed to manage the bleeding, including the use of ice water gargling, topical vasoconstrictors, or cauterization with silver nitrate. However, in instances where these initial measures are insufficient to control the bleeding, the patient is admitted to the hospital for further observation and treatment, which may include the administration of intravenous fluids. This code is crucial for accurately documenting the complexity of the case and ensuring appropriate reimbursement for the services rendered.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 42961 is indicated for the management of oropharyngeal hemorrhage that is either primary or secondary in nature. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:

  • Primary Oropharyngeal Hemorrhage Occurs without any surgical intervention, necessitating control measures to stop the bleeding.
  • Secondary Oropharyngeal Hemorrhage Results from surgical procedures, such as tonsillectomy, where bleeding complications arise post-operatively.

2. Procedure

The procedure for controlling oropharyngeal hemorrhage as described by CPT® Code 42961 involves several critical steps to ensure effective management of the bleeding.

  • Step 1: Examination of the Throat The physician begins by conducting a thorough examination of the throat to assess the extent of the hemorrhage and to identify the specific sites where bleeding is occurring. This initial assessment is crucial for determining the appropriate course of action.
  • Step 2: Identification of Bleeding Sites Once the examination is complete, the physician identifies the exact locations of the bleeding. This step is essential for targeted treatment and effective control of the hemorrhage.
  • Step 3: Initial Control Measures The physician may employ various techniques to control the bleeding, including ice water gargling, the application of topical vasoconstrictors at the bleeding sites, or cauterization with silver nitrate. These methods are aimed at stopping the bleeding through non-invasive means.
  • Step 4: Hospital Admission If the bleeding persists despite initial control measures, the patient is admitted to the hospital for further management. This includes overnight observation to monitor the patient's condition and the administration of intravenous fluids to maintain hydration and support recovery.

3. Post-Procedure

After the procedure, patients are typically monitored in a hospital setting to ensure that the bleeding is adequately controlled and to prevent any further complications. The expected recovery involves close observation of the patient's throat and overall condition. If bleeding continues or worsens, additional interventions may be necessary, including potential surgical options to address the hemorrhage. The healthcare team will provide instructions for follow-up care and any necessary lifestyle modifications to support healing and prevent recurrence.

Short Descr CONTROL THROAT BLEEDING
Medium Descr CTRL OROPHARYNGEAL HEMORRHAGE COMP REQ HOSPITJ
Long Descr Control oropharyngeal hemorrhage, primary or secondary (eg, post-tonsillectomy); complicated, requiring hospitalization
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) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
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) 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 Inpatient Procedures, not paid under OPPS
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
25 Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional on the same day of the procedure or other service: it may be necessary to indicate that on the day a procedure or service identified by a cpt code was performed, the patient's condition required a significant, separately identifiable e/m service above and beyond the other service provided or beyond the usual preoperative and postoperative care associated with the procedure that was performed. a significant, separately identifiable e/m service is defined or substantiated by documentation that satisfies the relevant criteria for the respective e/m service to be reported (see evaluation and management services guidelines for instructions on determining level of e/m service). the e/m service may be prompted by the symptom or condition for which the procedure and/or service was provided. as such, different diagnoses are not required for reporting of the e/m services on the same date. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 25 to the appropriate level of e/m service. note: this modifier is not used to report an e/m service that resulted in a decision to perform surgery. see modifier 57 for significant, separately identifiable non-e/m services, see modifier 59.
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.
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.
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.)
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
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