31086 Removal of frontal sinus
Also known as: frontal sinus obliteration with intracranial, subdural management, meningitis prevention
Removal of frontal sinus mucosa with obliteration and management of suprasinus (intracranial) complications or infection.
In Plain Language
forehead sinus closure with brain area protection
Clinical Context
Frontal sinus obliteration with management of intracranial extension, subdural abscess, meningitis, or encephaloceles requiring careful dural reconstruction.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 14.00 |
| Total RVU | 14.00 |
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 90-day global period, which includes the day of the procedure, 1 day preoperative, and 90 days of postoperative care. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 14.00, this code ranks in the 70th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.8x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 31086?
CPT 31086 (Removal of frontal sinus) is a Surgery code. Removal of frontal sinus mucosa with obliteration and management of suprasinus (intracranial) complications or infection.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 31086?
The work RVU for CPT 31086 is 14.00. This code is primarily used by Otolaryngology, Neurosurgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 31086 used?
Frontal sinus obliteration with management of intracranial extension, subdural abscess, meningitis, or encephaloceles requiring careful dural reconstruction.
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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.