External nasal valve collapse, static

This code describes a condition where the outer part of the nostril, specifically the alar cartilage and surrounding soft tissue, loses its structural integrity and collapses inward, obstructing airflow. This collapse is present even at rest, without forced inspiration. It results in chronic nasal obstruction and difficulty breathing through the nose.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of static external nasal valve collapse. This typically involves physical examination findings of alar collapse at rest, often confirmed by a Cottle maneuver or direct visualization. It is appropriate for patients experiencing persistent nasal obstruction due to this specific anatomical issue.

• Differentiate from dynamic collapse, which occurs only during inspiration and would require a different code.
• Ensure the documentation specifies "static" or describes collapse present without inspiration to support this code.
• Consider co-reporting with codes for other nasal airway obstructions if present, such as septal deviation or turbinate hypertrophy.