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    v1.0.30
    OpenPayerBilling CodesDiseases and Disorders of the Ear, Nose, Mouth and ThroatDRG 143-other-ear-nose-mouth-and-throat-o-r-procedures-with-mcc
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    Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat O.R. Procedures with MCC: Inpatient Reimbursement Overview

    DRG 143 addresses inpatient other ear, nose, mouth and throat operative procedures with Major Complication or Comorbidity, covering complex ENT and related surgeries with significant additional resource needs. Proper assignment affects Medicare payment because the Major Complication or Comorbidity designation raises the Diagnosis-Related Group relative weight and resultant inpatient reimbursement.

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    DRG 143 Overview

    DRG 143 covers inpatient hospital cases involving other ear, nose, mouth and throat operative room procedures with at least one Major Complication or Comorbidity. Typical cases include complex otologic, laryngologic, or maxillofacial operations where significant comorbidity increases resource use. This Diagnosis-Related Group matters for Medicare payment because the presence of a Major Complication or Comorbidity increases the relative weight and thereby the reimbursement level under Medicare Severity Diagnosis-Related Group payment rules. Accurate coding of principal procedures and comorbid conditions determines payment assignment for these higher-acuity operative admissions.

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    Clinical Trials

    • Studies evaluating acute perioperative management and complication mitigation for complex ENT surgeries: randomized or prospective cohort studies focus on intraoperative techniques, blood loss control, airway management strategies, and perioperative antibiotic or steroid protocols in adults undergoing major ear, nose, throat procedures with significant comorbidity burden (e.g., extensive sinus surgery, skull base procedures, or complex laryngectomy/reconstruction). These trials enroll patients at the time of surgery to measure immediate morbidity, intensive care needs, and 30-day complication rates, providing data that help surgical teams optimize protocols and that payers use to anticipate resource utilization and justify bundled payment or intensity-adjusted reimbursement. Such research is relevant because patients in DRG 143 frequently require high-acuity perioperative care and MCC-driven resource use, so evidence about interventions that reduce complications or length of stay directly impacts cost and quality metrics.
    • Comparative effectiveness research on surgical approaches and reconstruction techniques for high-risk ENT cases: multicenter observational studies or pragmatic trials compare outcomes of different operative approaches (for example endoscopic versus open skull base or complex pharyngeal reconstructions) and reconstruction choices in medically complex patients, including subgroup analyses by age, frailty, or comorbidity profiles. These studies examine functional outcomes, need for reoperation, readmission, and long-term swallowing/voice outcomes, informing surgeons and care teams which approaches yield better post-acute recovery and fewer costly complications. Payers and hospital systems benefit from this evidence to guide procedure selection, align clinical pathways with value, and reduce variations that drive higher reimbursement under DRG 143.
    • Post-discharge outcomes and care-coordination trials targeting readmission and long-term morbidity: prospective studies and quality-improvement trials test post-acute care bundles, early outpatient follow-up models, remote monitoring, or rehabilitation programs (speech/swallow therapy) for patients discharged after major ENT operations with MCCs. These studies target patients with prolonged initial stays or high risk for wound complications, aspiration, or airway issues, measuring 30- to 90-day readmissions, emergency visits, functional recovery, and total episode-of-care costs. This research is critical for providers and payers because reducing post-discharge complications and improving functional recovery can lower costly readmissions and demonstrate the value of investments in transitional care for the DRG 143 population.

    Related Codes

    135-SINUS-AND-MASTOID-PROCEDURES-WITH-CC-MCC

    Sinus and Mastoid Procedures with CC/MCC: Inpatient Reimbursement Overview

    136-SINUS-AND-MASTOID-PROCEDURES-WITHOUT-CC-MCC

    Sinus and Mastoid Procedures without CC/MCC: Inpatient Reimbursement Overview

    137-MOUTH-PROCEDURES-WITH-CC-MCC

    Mouth Procedures with CC/MCC: Inpatient Reimbursement Overview

    138-MOUTH-PROCEDURES-WITHOUT-CC-MCC

    Mouth Procedures without CC/MCC: Inpatient Reimbursement Overview

    139-SALIVARY-GLAND-PROCEDURES

    Salivary Gland Procedures: Inpatient Reimbursement Overview

    140-MAJOR-HEAD-AND-NECK-PROCEDURES-WITH-MCC

    Major Head and Neck Procedures with MCC: Inpatient Reimbursement Overview

    141-MAJOR-HEAD-AND-NECK-PROCEDURES-WITH-CC

    Major Head and Neck Procedures with CC: Inpatient Reimbursement Overview

    142-MAJOR-HEAD-AND-NECK-PROCEDURES-WITHOUT-CC-MCC

    Major Head and Neck Procedures without CC/MCC: Inpatient Reimbursement Overview

    144-OTHER-EAR-NOSE-MOUTH-AND-THROAT-O-R-PROCEDURES-WITH-CC

    Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat O.R. Procedures with CC: Inpatient Reimbursement Overview

    145-OTHER-EAR-NOSE-MOUTH-AND-THROAT-O-R-PROCEDURES-WITHOUT-CC-MCC

    Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat O.R. Procedures without CC/MCC: Inpatient Reimbursement Overview

    Showing 1–10 of 24

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
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