Summary & Overview
HCPCS G9348: CT Scan of Paranasal Sinuses at Time of Diagnosis
HCPCS Level II code G9348 designates a computed tomography (CT) scan of the paranasal sinuses performed at the time of diagnosis for documented clinical reasons. This code identifies the imaging service used in the initial evaluation of sinonasal disease, trauma, or other conditions where detailed sinus anatomy is required. Nationally, accurate coding of initial diagnostic imaging supports care coordination, appropriate utilization tracking, and reimbursement alignment across payers.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context for use of the code, typical sites of service, and the common modifiers associated with imaging claims. The publication summarizes benchmark considerations for utilization and reimbursement categories, highlights relevant policy points that commonly affect imaging authorization and coverage, and outlines coding relationships relevant to CT sinus imaging.
The content is intended for billing and compliance professionals, radiology departments, and policy analysts seeking a national perspective on how initial CT imaging of the paranasal sinuses is represented in claims. Data not available in the input will be clearly noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code G9348 describes a CT scan of the paranasal sinuses ordered at the time of diagnosis for documented reasons. The service type is diagnostic imaging focused on the paranasal sinuses. The typical site of service is hospital outpatient imaging departments or freestanding outpatient imaging centers where CT scans are performed as part of initial diagnostic workup.
Data not available in the input.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 34-year-old adult presents to an otolaryngology clinic with a 2-week history of unilateral facial pain, purulent nasal drainage, and worsening nasal obstruction following an upper respiratory infection. Physical examination shows maxillary sinus tenderness and purulent secretions on anterior rhinoscopy. The clinician documents acute sinusitis with concern for complicated or atypical anatomy and orders a CT of the paranasal sinuses at the time of diagnosis to evaluate extent of disease, assess for anatomic variants (septal deviation, concha bullosa), identify suspected sinus ostial obstruction, and guide medical versus surgical management. The CT is performed in an outpatient radiology suite with low-dose sinus protocol; images are reviewed by the ordering otolaryngologist and the interpreting radiologist. The study is medically necessary to determine need for endoscopic sinus surgery and to exclude orbital or intracranial complications if red-flag signs are present (periorbital swelling, severe headache, neurological signs). Typical workflow: outpatient assessment → documentation of indications in chart → electronic order for G9348 (CT paranasal sinuses ordered at time of diagnosis for documented reasons) → scheduling and performance of CT in outpatient radiology department → radiology interpretation and integration into treatment plan.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
22 | Increased procedural services |