30802 Ablate inferior turbinate submuc
Also known as: turbinate ablation, turbinate reduction, submucosal cautery
Ablation of the inferior turbinate submucosa, a procedure that reduces the size of the nasal turbinate tissue to improve airflow and alleviate nasal obstruction symptoms.
In Plain Language
nasal turbinate reduction; airway opening procedure
Clinical Context
Used for patients with chronic nasal obstruction due to enlarged turbinates. This procedure decreases turbinate volume without removing tissue, improving nasal breathing and reducing sleep apnea symptoms.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 2.03 |
| Total RVU | 2.03 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
As a surgical CPT code, proper documentation must include the operative report detailing the procedure performed, patient positioning, approach, findings, and any complications. This code has a 10-day global period — follow-up visits within 10 days of the procedure are included in the reimbursement. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 2.03, this code ranks in the 14th percentile among Surgery codes — 3.9x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 30802?
CPT 30802 (Ablate inferior turbinate submuc) is a Surgery code. Ablation of the inferior turbinate submucosa, a procedure that reduces the size of the nasal turbinate tissue to improve airflow and alleviate nasal obstruction symptoms.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 30802?
The work RVU for CPT 30802 is 2.03. This code is primarily used by Otolaryngology, Rhinology, Sleep Medicine. It has a 10-day global period.
When is CPT 30802 used?
Used for patients with chronic nasal obstruction due to enlarged turbinates. This procedure decreases turbinate volume without removing tissue, improving nasal breathing and reducing sleep apnea symptoms.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.