Question: How should I report a "laser bronchoscopy" when the pulmonologist treats multiple tumors or lesions? Answer: You should report the pulmonologist's work based on the anatomic sites the physician treats, not the number of tumors or lesions the pulmonologist treated.
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For instance, if the physician uses laser therapy to destroy three tumors on the left lung, you should assign 31641 (Bronchoscopy [rigid or flexible]; with destruction of tumor or relief of stenosis by any method other than excision [e.g., laser therapy, cryotherapy]).
But if the surgery involves the lungs and trachea, for example, you may be able to report 31641-59 (Bronchoscopy ...; distinct procedural service) in addition to 31641. The modifier signifies that the second bronchoscopy was a separate service from the first.