AAO-HNS/F Network Search

Download PDF High Priority Status: No / N/A CBE Number: N/A Measure Description: Percentage of patients aged 6 months through 12 years with a diagnosis of otitis media with effusion (OME) who received tympanostomy tube insertion and received a comprehensive audiometric evaluation within 6…

Download PDF High Priority Status: No / N/A CBE Number: N/A Measure Description: Percentage of patients aged 6 months to 12 years of age with a diagnosis of otitis media with effusion (OME) including chronic serous, mucoid, or nonsuppurative OME of ≥ 3 months duration…

Download PDF High Priority Status: Yes / Appropriate Use CBE Number: N/A Measure Description: Percentage of patients aged 6 months to 12 years of age at the time of the visit with a current diagnosis of an uncomplicated acute tympanostomy tube otorrhea (TTO) who were…

Download PDF High Priority Status: Yes / Appropriate Use CBE Number: N/A Measure Description: Percentage of patients aged 16 years and older with a new onset diagnosis of Bell’s palsy who had a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or a computed tomography (CT) scan of…

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As members are likely aware, 2014 brought significant changes to the Esophagoscopy family of CPT codes. Specifically, the code set was revised to more clearly identify the types of endoscope and approach used when performing the procedure, as it was agreed that the physician work…

The Centralized Otolaryngology Research Efforts (CORE) grants program is a collaboration of several societies, foundations, and industry supporters focused on providing support for research in the field of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. …

AAO-HNSF Bylaw Articles As amended by vote of the AAO-HNS Membership on June 4, 2020. Section 1.01. Registered Office  The American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as the “Foundation”) shall have and continuously maintain…

Q: How can I report an endoscopic laryngoplasty? A: The Academy recommends the use of CPT code 31599- Unlisted code, larynx to report an endoscopic laryngoplasty. Physicians should not use CPT codes 31580, 31551, 31552, 31553, 31554, 31584, nor 31587 to report this procedure, as…

Q: How do I code for percutaneous laryngeal injections using flexible endoscopic guidance? A: Percutaneous laryngeal injections performed using flexible laryngoscopy for guidance and needle placement should be reported using 31574. This describes injection (s) for augmentation (eg percutaneous, transoral) for unilateral vocal cord. Q…

For CY 2013, the CPT Editorial Panel has modified the descriptor for add on code +15777 and has limited this code’s use to biologic implants placed into breast and/or trunk sites only. The new text is underlined below. The new descriptor and corresponding…

You Asked, We Delivered: Academy Achieves Modification to NCCI Edit for CPT 69424 In early 2013, the Academy was approached by several members and coding experts regarding frequent denials by Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) for claims which listed CPT 69424 Ventilating tube removal requiring general…

Q: What are appropriate codes to report the drainage and irrigation of the masseteric, submandibular, sublingual, and submental spaces when a single incision is made? A: You should report this procedure with CPT code 41018-Extraoral incision and drainage of abscess, cyst, or hematoma of…

As a result of the advocacy of the Academy, the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) will delete the current bundling edit for the neck dissection CPT codes (38720-Cervical lymphadenectomy (complete) and 38724 – Cervical lymphadenectomy (modified radical neck dissection) when performed on the same patient…

Q: Can I bill for use of the operating microscope, Code 69990? A: Yes. Otolaryngologists commonly use the operating microscope while performing a variety of microsurgical procedures. CPT +69990, Use of operating microscope (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure), is a billable…

The CPT Manual defines modifier 59 as follows: “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…

Q: When should I use an unlisted code? A: An unlisted code should be used to report a procedure when no Category I or III CPT code exists to describe the procedure. Q: When shouldn’t I use an unlisted code? A: When a valid…