Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Question: May I bill a laryngoscopy and a videostroboscopy for a patient complaining of hoarseness?

Ohio Subscriber

Answer: Even though the otolaryngologist may insert one scope and then another, you should bill only for the strobovideolaryngoscopy (31579, Laryngoscopy, flexible or rigid fiberoptic, with stroboscopy). The otolaryngologist performs 31575 (Laryngoscopy, flexible fiberoptic; diagnostic) and 31579 for the same reason and to examine the same area.

Both the videostroboscopy and the laryngoscopy examine the larynx. The videostroboscopy also allows the otolaryngologist to assess vocal-cord function. The diagnostic laryngoscopy leads the otolaryngologist to use a flexible or rigid laryngoscope equipped with a light strobe to better visualize the vocal cords. Thus, 31579 is a more extensive procedure than 31575. Since the videostroboscopy includes the initial diagnostic procedure, reporting 31575 in addition to 31579 is redundant.