Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Question: I’m coding for a direct laryngoscopy with biopsies of the central and right tongue base, biopsy of the left tonsil, and right tonsillectomy. I’m confused about what is included in the laryngoscopy biopsy. Can you explain it to me?

New Mexico Subscriber

Answer: Code 31535 (Laryngoscopy, direct, operative, with biopsy) includes the direct laryngoscopy in which the surgeon examines the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx, and trachea with the direct laryngoscope. If the lesion is located in any of these structures and the surgeon uses biopsy forceps to obtain a tissue sample, the code remains valid.

In your case, the physician completed biopsies of the central and right tongue base, a biopsy of the left tonsil, and a right tonsillectomy were performed. Code 31535 still applies.