Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) Practice Exam

The correct code for endoscopic sinusotomy with bilateral anterior ethmoidectomy is represented as 31254-50. This code is used for performing an endoscopic approach to the maxillary sinus along with procedures in both anterior ethmoid sinuses, and the "-50" modifier indicates that the procedure was performed bilaterally (on both sides). In coding for surgical procedures, it's essential to denote whether the procedure is unilateral or bilateral. The use of a modifier like "-50" helps to communicate this to the payer and ensures appropriate reimbursement for the additional work involved in performing procedures on both sides. This coding structure recognizes the complexity and additional resources necessary for such bilateral interventions compared to a unilateral one. The other options do not accurately reflect this coding scenario because they either do not denote the bilateral nature of the procedure or misrepresent the specific components involved.