Advanced Search

Pulmonology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Identify Location For Multiple Stent Placements

Published on Thu Apr 26, 2012

Question: Our pulmonologist recently performed a stent placement into the bronchus. During the procedure, our pulmonologist inserted a bronchoscope and placed a 12 x 40 stent initially. But since he was not satisfied about the stent's positioning, he decided to remove the stent and replaced it with a 12 x 30 stent into the same location. How do I report this procedure? Should I report the placement of both the stents?New York SubscriberAnswer: You should report the procedure performed by your pulmonologist using 31636 (Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, including fluoroscopic guidance, when performed; with placement of bronchial stent[s] [includes tracheal/bronchial dilation as required], initial bronchus). If you see the descriptor for the code, you will notice that the same code applies even if your pulmonologist placed one or more stents in the same location in the bronchus. So, in this scenario, you will only have to use 31636 to report [...]
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Pulmonology Coding Alert

View All