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ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

READER QUESTIONS:

Report E/M for Tracheostomy

Published on Sat Nov 26, 2005

Question: What is the procedure code for a tracheostomy replacement with a Shiley-6 tube? The tube was old, and the ED physician just replaced it.


Texas Subscriber
Answer: For an established or old tracheostomy, the tube replacement is included in the evaluation and management code for the care. The only CPT code for replacement of a tracheostomy tube is 31502 (Tracheotomy tube change prior to establishment of fistula tract), which doesn't apply in this case. For more information, see the Winter 1990 issue of CPT Assistant.
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