Otolaryngology Coding Alert
Some Bronchoscopy Codes Now Include 9 Lesser ENT Scopes
Count nasal/larynx scope as part of bronchoscopy, NCCI states NCCI permits a modifier when appropriate to override only one of these edits - the nasal diagnostic endosocopy with bronchoscopy. You may use a modifier to unbundle 31231 from 31636 or 31638 when circumstances warrant dual reporting.
You'll submit flawless bronchoscopy claims without violating a dozen new bundling edits if you code only the most extensive scope.
The National Correct Coding Initiative, version 11.2, makes nine ENT codes components of new bronchoscopy codes 31636 and 31638. That means, even if an otolaryngologist performs endoscopy, laryngoscopy or nasopharyngoscopy before bronchoscopy with stent placement or revision, you should report only the most extensive scope - the bronchoscopy.
As of July 1, 31636 (Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, with or without fluoroscopic guidance; with placement of bronchial stent[s] [includes tracheal/bronchial dilation as required], initial bronchus) and 31638 (... with revision of tracheal or bronchial stents inserted at previous session [includes tracheal/bronchial dilation as required]) include these ENT procedures:
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Count nasal/larynx scope as part of bronchoscopy, NCCI states
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