31276 Nsl/sinus ndsc frnt tissue removal
Also known as: endoscopic frontal sinus surgery, frontal sinus tissue removal, frontal endoscopy, endoscopic sinus surgery frontal, FESS frontal
Nasal and sinus endoscopic surgery with removal of frontal sinus tissue, treating frontal sinusitis or frontal sinus disease.
In Plain Language
forehead sinus camera surgery
Clinical Context
Endoscopic approach to frontal sinus disease, often combined with ethmoidectomy. Allows disease management without external incision.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 6.58 |
| Total RVU | 6.58 |
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 6.58, this code ranks in the 43rd percentile among Surgery codes — 1.2x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 31276?
CPT 31276 (Nsl/sinus ndsc frnt tissue removal) is a Surgery code. Nasal and sinus endoscopic surgery with removal of frontal sinus tissue, treating frontal sinusitis or frontal sinus disease.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 31276?
The work RVU for CPT 31276 is 6.58. This code is primarily used by Otolaryngology, Rhinology.
When is CPT 31276 used?
Endoscopic approach to frontal sinus disease, often combined with ethmoidectomy. Allows disease management without external incision.
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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.