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Pulmonology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

31502 Reimbursement Includes Supplies

Published on Mon Feb 23, 2004

Question: The pulmonologist changed a number-eight tracheotomy to a number-six tracheotomy in the office. The nurse got the tracheotomy pack from the hospital. Can we charge for the procedure or just for supplies? Which codes should we use?

Missouri Subscriber
 
Answer: You should report 31502 (Tracheotomy tube change prior to establishment of fistula tract) for the tracheostomy tube change. Typically, Medicare pays $85 when the pulmonologist performs a tracheostomy tube change in the office. When the physician performs in a facility setting, the procedure brings in $38, based on a national average. In both cases, the code's practice expense includes the physician's work, the tube and the other supplies the physician used.
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