Otolaryngology Coding Alert
31622 Plus 31830 Cover Trach Revision Flap With New Tube
Question: A tracheotomy-dependent patient has been seeing our otolaryngologist for more than a year. During one visit the physician determined that a revision flap tracheotomy was necessary. He will also be replacing the tube. The revision flap would lead me to code 31830, but I’m not sure that’s still correct if he replaces the tube. What are your thoughts on how we should code this?
Answer: You should be able to report two codes for the encounter.
First, submit 31614 (Tracheostoma revision; complex, with flap rotation) for the tracheotomy. If a bronchoscopy is also performed, also report a separate code for the bronchoscopy – 31622 (Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, including fluoroscopic guidance, when performed; diagnostic, with cell washing, when performed [separate procedure]). These are better choices than 31830 (Revision of tracheostomy scar) because the surgeon is doing more than revising an old scar.
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Otolaryngology Coding Alert
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31622 Plus 31830 Cover Trach Revision Flap With New Tube
Question: A tracheotomy-dependent patient has been seeing our otolaryngologist for more than a year. During [...]
