Septoplasty with a Nasal Swell Body Reduction

Question:

I performed a Septoplasty for a patient with a deviated nasal septum. During the procedure, I also performed a nasal swell body reduction on the septal mucosa. My coder told me I could report 30520 for the Septoplasty but I could not report the lesion excision with 30117. I don’t understand why I cannot report both codes together. Can you advise?

Answer:

Your coder is correct. According to CPT Assistant (6/19), it is not appropriate to report code 30117, excision or destruction (e.g., laser), intranasal lesion, internal approach, separately. The procedure described in code 30117 is included in code 30520, Septoplasty or submucous resection, with or without cartilage scoring, contouring or replacement with graft, and should not be reported separately.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 5/22/25.