Question:
One of our patients presented with nasal obstruction, sinus obstruction, and multiple nasal polyps, and we performed a biopsy in conjunction with polypectomy and ethmoidectomy. Can we report a separate biopsy code for this?
Answer:
According to the NCCI Manual, you cannot report a separate biopsy code with the removal nasal/sinus endoscopy code (e.g., CPT® code 31255) because the biopsy tissue is procured as part of the surgery, not to establish the need for surgery.
CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association.