Advanced Search

Pulmonology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Should Cell Washing Be Bundled With Other Bronchoscopy Procedures?

Published on Mon Jan 30, 2012

Question: Our pulmonologist recently performed a resection procedure for an endobronchial tumor using electrocautery. He also had to undertake about an hour of critical care in addition to a basic cell washing procedure during the bronchoscopy. Please let me know if the cell washing can be reported along with the resection and the other codes that I need to report for the procedures conducted?New Mexico SubscriberAnswer: Generally, a diagnostic bronchoscopy with a cell washing procedure is reported using 31622 (Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, including fluoroscopic guidance, when performed; diagnostic, with cell washing, when performed [separate procedure]). This is a basic procedure that your pulmonologist will conduct in order to visualize the internal areas such as the vocal cords, the tracheobronchial tree, major lobar and the segmental bronchii. This procedure will help in establishing the presence of abnormalities in these areas and help him know if there is any necessity for [...]
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