Summary & Overview
CPT 30462: Rhinoplasty, Open or Closed Approach
CPT code 30462 represents a rhinoplasty performed through either an open or closed approach and is used to document surgical reshaping of the nose via transfixion, infracartilaginous (rim), or intercartilaginous incisions. This code is nationally relevant because rhinoplasty procedures span both cosmetic and functional indications, implicating coverage determinations, preauthorization practices, and surgical site considerations across major payers. Key payers included in this analysis are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise clinical context for CPT code 30462, including typical service settings and procedural approach distinctions, as well as an outline of what to expect from payer coverage policies and benchmarking information where available. The publication summarizes common billing modifiers and related coding considerations when data is available, highlights policy trends that affect prior authorization and medical necessity determinations, and provides benchmarking context for utilization and reimbursement patterns. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 30462 describes a rhinoplasty procedure that can be performed via either an open or closed surgical approach. In the open approach, surgeons make transfixion and infracartilaginous (rim) incisions. Closed approaches may use intercartilaginous, infracartilaginous, or transfixion incisions. The procedure involves reshaping nasal structures for functional or cosmetic reasons.
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Service type: Surgical rhinoplasty (open or closed approach)
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Typical site of service: Operating room or ambulatory surgical center (inpatient or outpatient surgical settings)
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 28-year-old female presents to an otolaryngology/plastic surgery clinic seeking elective functional and aesthetic correction of nasal deformity. She reports nasal obstruction and visible dorsal hump after prior trauma, with persistent septal deviation and bilateral inferior turbinate hypertrophy. Physical exam confirms external nasal asymmetry, dorsal prominence, and internal valve compromise. Preoperative evaluation includes nasal endoscopy, photographic documentation, informed consent discussing open versus closed rhinoplasty approaches, anesthesia assessment, and scheduling in an ambulatory surgical center.
The procedure 30462 is performed under general anesthesia using an open approach with a transcolumellar incision and infracartilaginous rim incisions for exposure. Septoplasty and cartilage reshaping are performed; osteotomies and dorsal reduction are completed, with internal splints and external nasal dressing placed. Typical workflow includes pre-op marking, operative maneuvers (transfixion, intercartilaginous or infracartilaginous incisions as needed), intraoperative hemostasis, and post-op recovery with discharge instructions. Follow-up occurs at 1 week for splint removal and at 6–12 weeks for outcome assessment.
Typical site of service: Ambulatory Surgical Center or Hospital Outpatient Department. Service type: Surgical, Rhinoplasty (open or closed approach) with structural nasal reconstruction.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
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