Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Here's what documentation you need to prove the scope is medically necessary. If you're uncertain when you should report scope code 31575, then check out these details that will open the door to submitting this code to payers. Problem 1: You Want To Report 31575 and E/M service. If a payer bundles laryngoscopy into a same-day E/M service, documentation that shows why a mirror exam (included in the E/M service) of the larynx and surrounding structures was insufficient will help you overturn the EOB determination. Educate your ENTs on the importance of including this information, presented by Barbara J. Cobuzzi, MBA, CPC, CPCH, CPC-P, CENTC, CHCC, president of N.J.-based CRN Healthcare Solutions. Medically necessary reasons that support performing 31575 (Laryngoscopy, flexible fiberoptic; diagnostic) include but are not limited to: macroglossia preventing mirror examination gag reflex preventing mirror examination trismus preventing mirror examination patient unable to cooperate to allow mirror examination [...]