Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Question: Is it correct to use 31541 if instead of using the microscope, the otolaryngologist uses the telescope for the procedure? If not, which code do you recommend?

Pennsylvania Subscriber
 
Answer: CPT anticipates changing 31541's descriptor from "Laryngoscopy, direct, operative, with excision of tumor and/or stripping of vocal cords or epiglottis; with operating microscope" to "... with operating microscope or telescope." But the code doesn't now include the telescope.
 
Whether you should now apply the possible editorial change depends on the payer. Some carriers may consider using 31541 for telescopic use appropriate. Others may have a stricter interpretation of optical enhancement and count only microscopic laryngoscopy as 31541. For these payers, you should stick with 31540 (Laryngoscopy, direct, operative, with excision of tumor and/or stripping of vocal cords or epiglottis) for telescopic laryngoscopy.