Cryoablation, Radiofrequency Ablation, and Laser Ablation for Treatment of Chronic Rhinitis
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This policy governs coverage of cryoablation, radiofrequency ablation, laser ablation, and posterior nasal nerve resection for allergic or nonallergic chronic rhinitis. These procedures are considered investigational.
The policy added a statement that resection (neurectomy) of the posterior nasal nerve for chronic rhinitis is considered investigational.
Policy 7.01.610 replaced policy 7.01.168.
The policy was updated in August 2026 with literature through March 9, 2026, while policy statements remained unchanged.
The policy removed unlisted codes 30999 and 31299 in May 2025 after CPT codes for RhinAer and ClariFix were established.
The policy added CPT codes 31242 and 31243 and a termination date to HCPCS code C9771 in January 2024.
Investigational Chronic Rhinitis Procedures
Investigational Procedures
The following procedures are considered investigational for allergic or nonallergic chronic rhinitis:
Investigational procedures
- Cryoablation for chronic rhinitis is considered investigational, including use of the Clarifix device.
- Radiofrequency ablation for chronic rhinitis is considered investigational, including use of the RhinAer stylus.
- Laser ablation for chronic rhinitis is considered investigational.
- Posterior nasal nerve resection: Resection or neurectomy of the posterior nasal nerve for chronic rhinitis is considered investigational.
Posterior Nasal Nerve Resection
The policy considers the following service investigational:
Codes and Clinical Outcome Measures
| 30117 | Excision or destruction (e.g., laser), intranasal lesion; internal approach. |
| 31242 | Nasal/sinus endoscopy, surgical; with destruction by radiofrequency ablation, posterior nasal nerve (use to report: RhinAer). |
| 31243 | Nasal/sinus endoscopy, surgical; with destruction by cryoablation, posterior nasal nerve (use to report: Clarifix). |
Provider Coverage Actions
Investigational chronic rhinitis procedures
Coverage is at risk of denial because cryoablation, radiofrequency ablation, laser ablation, and posterior nasal nerve resection or neurectomy for allergic or nonallergic chronic rhinitis are considered investigational.
Posterior nasal nerve resection is investigational
Do not expect coverage for resection (neurectomy) of the posterior nasal nerve for chronic rhinitis; the policy considers this service investigational.
- This applies to posterior nasal nerve resection or neurectomy for chronic rhinitis.
- The policy statement was added with the policy replacement and provider notification history.
Chronic Rhinitis Background
Chronic rhinitis includes allergic, nonallergic, and mixed rhinitis. It involves ongoing inflammation of the nasal passages and may cause rhinorrhea, nasal congestion or obstruction, itching, sneezing, mucus in the throat, and reduced quality of life. Allergies are a common cause, but chronic rhinitis may also occur without an allergic trigger or may involve both allergic and nonallergic features.
Initial management commonly includes medical therapy such as nasal steroids, anticholinergics, decongestants, and antihistamines; allergy shots may also be used when appropriate. Approximately 10%–22% of patients may continue to have symptoms despite medical therapy. Chronic rhinitis that does not improve after adequate medical treatment is referred to as refractory chronic rhinitis.
Key Procedure and Clinical Definitions
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