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The CPT® Code 42970 refers to the procedure for controlling nasopharyngeal hemorrhage, which can be classified as either primary or secondary. Primary nasopharyngeal hemorrhage occurs without any preceding surgical intervention, while secondary nasopharyngeal hemorrhage is a result of surgical procedures, such as adenoidectomy. This procedure is typically performed in an outpatient setting and involves the application of posterior nasal packs, which may be supplemented with anterior nasal packs and/or cautery as necessary. During the procedure, the physician conducts a thorough examination of the nasopharyngeal area to identify the specific sites of bleeding. If bleeding is detected, it may be treated through cautery, which involves the application of heat to the bleeding site to promote clotting and stop the hemorrhage. In cases where bleeding persists, anterior nasal packing may be employed in addition to the posterior packing to further control the hemorrhage. This procedure is considered simple in nature, distinguishing it from more complex cases that may require hospitalization or surgical intervention, as indicated by related codes such as CPT® 42971 and CPT® 42972.
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The procedure described by CPT® Code 42970 is indicated for the management of nasopharyngeal hemorrhage, which can occur in various clinical scenarios. The following conditions may warrant the performance of this procedure:
The procedure for controlling nasopharyngeal hemorrhage as outlined in CPT® Code 42970 involves several key steps:
After the completion of the procedure, patients are typically monitored for any signs of continued bleeding or complications. The application of nasal packing may remain in place for a specified duration to ensure effective control of the hemorrhage. Patients are advised on post-procedure care, which may include instructions on avoiding activities that could exacerbate bleeding, such as heavy lifting or vigorous exercise. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess the healing process and to remove any nasal packing if applicable. It is important for healthcare providers to document the procedure thoroughly, including the techniques used and the patient's response to treatment.
| Short Descr | CONTROL NOSE/THROAT BLEEDING | Medium Descr | CTRL NASOPHARYNGEAL HEMRRG SMPL W/PST NSL PACKS | Long Descr | Control of nasopharyngeal hemorrhage, primary or secondary (eg, postadenoidectomy); simple, with posterior nasal packs, with or without anterior packs and/or cautery | 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) | 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 | ASC Payment Indicator | Office-based surgical procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later without MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P1G - Major procedure - Other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 27 - Control of epistaxis |
| 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). | 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. | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
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| 2002-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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