Summary & Overview
CPT 30117: Internal Excision or Destruction of Nasal Lesion
CPT code 30117 denotes the surgical excision or destruction of a lesion of the nose performed via an internal (endonasal) approach. This code captures procedures in which instruments are introduced into the nasal cavity to remove or ablate intranasal lesions. Nationally, accurate coding for this procedure is important for clinical documentation, surgical quality metrics, and consistent payment across facility settings.
Key payers covered in the analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of typical sites of service and service type, common modifiers used with this code, and where available, comparative benchmarks and policy context relevant to payers nationally. The summary addresses coding considerations, expected clinical context for use, and common billing modifiers that may affect claim processing.
This publication offers a concise reference for billers, coders, and administrative leaders seeking clarity on the clinical definition of CPT code 30117, its typical settings, and what to expect in payer coverage and adjudication practices. Data not available in the input will be noted where relevant.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 30117 describes the excision or destruction of a lesion of the nose performed via an internal (endonasal) approach. The procedure involves placing surgical instruments into the nasal cavity to excise or destroy intranasal lesions.
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Service type: Surgical excision or destructive procedure of a nasal lesion via internal approach
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Typical site of service: Operating room, ambulatory surgery center, or clinic procedure room depending on complexity and anesthesia needs
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Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 45-year-old patient presents to an otolaryngology clinic with a symptomatic intranasal lesion (e.g., a benign mucosal polyp, small submucosal cyst, or localized papilloma) causing nasal obstruction and intermittent epistaxis. After history, nasal endoscopy, and topical decongestion, the surgeon determines the lesion is amenable to an internal approach excision. The patient is scheduled for a minor operative procedure performed under local anesthesia with sedation or monitored anesthesia care in an ambulatory surgery center or hospital outpatient department. In the procedure, the provider introduces instruments through the nostril(s) to visualize and excise or ablate the lesion without an external incision. Typical workflow: preoperative evaluation and consent, topical/local anesthesia and/or sedation, endoscopic visualization, excision or destruction of the lesion using forceps, microdebrider, laser, or cautery, hemostasis, and short post-procedure observation with discharge instructions. Pathology submission occurs if lesion is suspicious or resected for diagnosis.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
51 | Multiple Procedures | When additional unrelated procedures are billed the same day in addition to this procedure. |
52 |