Need help choosing the right code?
Ask CasePilot about procedures, modifiers, bundling, and coding guidance.
Try CasePilot© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
A therapeutic unilateral section of the recurrent laryngeal nerve is a surgical procedure aimed at addressing spastic dysphonia, a condition characterized by a severe vocal disability where the vocal cords are positioned too closely together, leading to difficulties in voice production. This procedure is classified as a separate procedure, meaning it is performed independently and not as part of a larger surgical intervention. The recurrent laryngeal nerve, which plays a crucial role in controlling the muscles of the larynx, is targeted during this operation. By sectioning the nerve on one side, the procedure induces paralysis of the involved vocal cord, allowing it to retract away from the midline. This retraction helps to alleviate the constriction of the vocal cords, ultimately resulting in improved voice quality for the patient. The surgical approach involves making an incision in the skin of the neck, followed by careful dissection of the soft tissues to access the thyroid gland and the recurrent laryngeal nerve located in the tracheoesophageal groove. The procedure concludes with the division of the nerve and the layered closure of the overlying soft tissues and skin.
© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The therapeutic unilateral section of the recurrent laryngeal nerve is indicated for the treatment of specific conditions that affect vocal function. The primary indication for this procedure is:
The procedure involves several critical steps to ensure successful sectioning of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Each step is performed with precision to minimize complications and achieve the desired outcome.
Post-procedure care involves monitoring the patient for any immediate complications related to the surgery. Patients may experience temporary hoarseness or changes in voice quality as the body adjusts to the nerve sectioning. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the recovery process and the effectiveness of the procedure in improving voice quality. Patients are typically advised on voice rest and may receive guidance on vocal rehabilitation to optimize their recovery and vocal function.
| Short Descr | LARYNX NERVE SURGERY | Medium Descr | SECTION RECURRENT LARYNGEAL NERVE THER UNI SPX | Long Descr | Section recurrent laryngeal nerve, therapeutic (separate procedure), unilateral | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 090 - Major Surgery | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required... | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P1G - Major procedure - Other | MUE | Not applicable/unspecified. | CCS Clinical Classification | 9 - Other OR therapeutic nervous system procedures |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| 2019-01-01 | Deleted | Code deleted |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.