Summary & Overview
HCPCS Level II S9024: Paranasal Sinus Ultrasound
HCPCS Level II code S9024 denotes paranasal sinus ultrasound, a point-of-care or outpatient diagnostic imaging service used to evaluate the paranasal sinuses for conditions such as sinusitis, fluid collection, or structural abnormalities. Nationally, imaging utilization and coding clarity for sinus ultrasound matter for access to non-radiation diagnostic options and for consistent billing across outpatient and office-based settings.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the clinical context for S9024, payer coverage considerations, common billing modifiers, and benchmarking expectations where available. The publication outlines how the service is typically delivered (outpatient imaging centers, office-based clinics, hospital outpatient departments) and highlights operational and documentation points that influence reimbursement and claims processing.
This summary frames the practical use of S9024 for administrators, coders, and clinicians seeking a national perspective on coding practice, payer engagement, and the clinical role of paranasal sinus ultrasound.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code S9024 represents paranasal sinus ultrasound, a diagnostic imaging service that uses ultrasound to evaluate the paranasal sinuses. This service is typically classified as diagnostic imaging and is most often provided in outpatient imaging centers, office-based clinics (otolaryngology or primary care), and hospital outpatient departments.
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Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 38-year-old adult presents to an outpatient otolaryngology clinic with a 10-day history of unilateral facial pain, nasal congestion, purulent nasal discharge, and decreased sense of smell following an upper respiratory infection. On physical exam there is localized maxillary tenderness and erythematous nasal mucosa. The clinician orders a paranasal sinus ultrasound to evaluate for sinus fluid levels and mucosal thickening as a point-of-care imaging adjunct to clinical exam. The procedure is performed in the clinic exam room or an outpatient imaging suite. A sonographer or qualified clinician applies ultrasound gel and a high-frequency linear or curved transducer over the frontal, maxillary, and anterior ethmoid regions while the patient is supine or reclined. Images are obtained, interpreted by the performing physician (professional component), and the device/stored images are retained by the facility (technical component). The encounter documentation includes indication, ultrasound findings (eg, anechoic fluid level in the maxillary sinus consistent with acute sinusitis), time, personnel performing the exam, interpretation, and any communication of results to the patient and referring provider.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when billing only the physician interpretation/reading of the ultrasound separate from the technical component. |