CPT code 31259 designates an endoscopic surgical procedure that performs a complete excision of the anterior and posterior ethmoid air cells and widens the sphenoid sinus opening to treat chronic sinusitis. This code represents an advanced intranasal surgical intervention often used when medical therapy fails or when anatomical disease burden requires extensive sinus clearance. Nationally, procedures described by 31259 are significant for otolaryngology surgical volumes and for payers managing care pathways for chronic rhinosinusitis.

Key payers included in this analysis are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise summary of what the code covers clinically and administratively, how it is typically delivered (service type and site of service), and the payer landscape addressed in the publication. The report highlights benchmarking context, common billing considerations, and relevant policy or coverage notes that affect authorization and reimbursement across major national payers.

This publication provides clinical context for the procedure, an overview of billing and coding implications for 31259, and pointers to comparative benchmarks and policy updates that influence utilization and payment for endoscopic ethmoidectomy with sphenoid sinus opening.