Mountain State Medical Policy Bulletin |
Section: | Surgery |
Number: | S-136 |
Topic: | Radiofrequency Ablation of the Nasal Turbinates |
Effective Date: | August 1, 2005 |
Issued Date: | August 1, 2005 |
Date Last Reviewed: | 07/2005 |
Indications and Limitations of Coverage
Radiofrequency ablation of the nasal turbinates is eligible for reimbursement when performed for the purpose of reducing hypertrophy of nasal turbinates (478.0). Patients treated surgically with radiofrequency ablation of the turbinates should have a history of incomplete or failed conventional medical management documented in their medical records. Occasionally, it may be necessary to repeat this service in patients who experience incomplete relief of their symptoms. It should not be necessary to repeat the procedure more often than once within a twelve-month period of time for a total of two treatments. Claims reporting a third treatment with radiofrequency ablation should be referred to a medical advisor for a medical necessity determination. Services denied on the basis of medical necessity are nonbillable by participating, preferred, or network providers.
Description Radiofrequency tissue ablation, procedure code 30802, is a surgical procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to heat and destroy submucosal tissue resulting in the reduction of tissue volume. Radiofrequency ablation of the turbinates (somnoplasty of the turbinates) is performed to relieve nasal obstruction that is secondary to inferior turbinate hypertrophy. Over a period of three to six weeks following the procedure, the body naturally absorbs the ablated tissue resulting in partial or complete relief of nasal congestion. |
|
30802 |
PRN References |
Nasal Turbinate Somnoplasty: Utilization of Radiofrequency to Treat Chronic Nasal Obstruction and Congestion, ACOMS, 1999 |