Pulmonology Coding Alert
Clear Up the Confusion on Coding For Laryngoscopy with FBR
Question: A 20 years old male presents with complaint of “something irritating the throat.” The provider takes a look inside the larynx, using a laryngeal mirror. He identifies a foreign body inside the larynx that has caused a little swelling within. He removes the foreign body using forceps and irrigates the wound and larynx including vocal cords with antiseptic solution. Which is the best code to choose from – 31505, 31510, 31512 or 31513?
Utah Subscriber
Answer: You may report CPT® code 31511 (Laryngoscopy, indirect; with removal of foreign body) in this case.
The CPT® code 31505 (Laryngoscopy, indirect; diagnostic [separate procedure]) is for diagnostic indirect laryngoscopy, and does not apply here because the provider did not aim for any kind of a diagnostic investigation. If the provider had performed an indirect laryngoscopy with biopsy, only then would you report 31510 (Laryngoscopy, indirect; with biopsy).
The CPT® code 31512 (Laryngoscopy, indirect; with removal of lesion) is for indirect laryngoscopy with removal of lesion, which again does not apply here. The CPT® code 31513 (Laryngoscopy, indirect; with vocal cord injection) is for indirect laryngoscopy with vocal cord injection, and not for irrigation or cleaning.
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