CPCA CPT for Aesthetic Procedures 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A surgeon performs a rhinoplasty (CPT 30420) that includes major septal repair. The coder also wants to add 30520 for the septoplasty. Is this correct?
- No — 30420 already includes major septal repair; adding 30520 is unbundling (Correct answer)
- Yes — septoplasty is always reported separately regardless of the rhinoplasty code
- Yes — use modifier 59 on 30520 to indicate a distinct procedure
- No — only 30520 should be reported when both procedures are done together
Correct answer: No — 30420 already includes major septal repair; adding 30520 is unbundling
CPT 30420 includes major septal repair in its descriptor; separately reporting 30520 constitutes unbundling and is incorrect.
Question 2: An intact breast implant is removed without replacement. Which CPT code is reported?
- 19325
- 19328 (Correct answer)
- 19330
- 19342
Correct answer: 19328
CPT 19328 describes removal of an intact mammary implant.
Question 3: Botulinum toxin type A is injected into glabellar frown lines for purely cosmetic purposes. Which CPT code should the physician report for the injection service?
- 64612
- 64615
- 64999 (Correct answer)
- J0585 only
Correct answer: 64999
Cosmetic botulinum toxin injections for glabellar lines are reported with unlisted neurology procedure code 64999, as no specific CPT covers this aesthetic indication.
Question 4: Which CPT code specifically describes abdominoplasty including umbilicoplasty when performed?
- 15830
- 15832
- 15839
- 15847 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 15847
CPT 15847 describes excision of excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue of the abdomen (abdominoplasty), including umbilicoplasty if performed.
Question 5: A mastopexy (breast lift) is performed without insertion of a prosthetic implant. Which CPT code applies?
- 19316 (Correct answer)
- 19318
- 19325
- 19350
Correct answer: 19316
CPT 19316 describes mastopexy performed without prosthetic implant insertion.
Question 6: A patient develops ectropion requiring surgical repair during the global period of a prior lower lid blepharoplasty. Which modifier is appended to the repair code?
- Modifier 24
- Modifier 58
- Modifier 78 (Correct answer)
- Modifier 79
Correct answer: Modifier 78
Modifier 78 (Unplanned Return to the Operating Room) is used when a related procedure is required during the postoperative period due to a complication.
Question 7: A secondary rhinoplasty requiring major revision of the bony pyramid and cartilages is performed. Which CPT code is most appropriate?
- 30430
- 30435
- 30450 (Correct answer)
- 30462
Correct answer: 30450
CPT 30450 describes a secondary rhinoplasty requiring major revision, including work on the bony and cartilaginous structures.
CPCA CPT for Aesthetic Procedures 5
A surgeon performs a rhinoplasty (CPT 30420) that includes major septal repair.
The coder also wants to add 30520 for the septoplasty.
Is this correct?