31257 Nsl/sinus ndsc tot with sphendt
Also known as: endoscopic total sphenoidectomy, complete sphenoid ESS, sphenoid sinus removal
Comprehensive nasal and sinus endoscopic surgery including total sphenoidectomy, removing all sphenoid sinus mucosa and air cells.
In Plain Language
complete deep sinus surgery
Clinical Context
Endoscopic total sphenoidectomy for advanced sphenoid disease, mucoceles, or tumor. Requires careful dissection to avoid injury to optic nerve and carotid.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 7.80 |
| Total RVU | 7.80 |
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 0-day global period, meaning pre- and post-operative E&M visits are billable separately on the same day. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 7.80, this code ranks in the 49th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.0x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 31257?
CPT 31257 (Nsl/sinus ndsc tot with sphendt) is a Surgery code. Comprehensive nasal and sinus endoscopic surgery including total sphenoidectomy, removing all sphenoid sinus mucosa and air cells.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 31257?
The work RVU for CPT 31257 is 7.80. This code is primarily used by Otolaryngology, Rhinology.
When is CPT 31257 used?
Endoscopic total sphenoidectomy for advanced sphenoid disease, mucoceles, or tumor. Requires careful dissection to avoid injury to optic nerve and carotid.
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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.