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Pulmonology Coding Alert

READER QUESTIONS:

CPT Doesn't Offer Laryngoscopy With Brushings

Published on Sun Apr 16, 2006

Question: My pulmonologist performed a laryngoscopy with brushing, but I don't see a code that mentions brushings. How should I report this procedure?


South Dakota Subscriber
Answer: Unfortunately, you're correct. There isn't a laryngoscopy code you can report that specifies brushings. You'll need to review your pulmonologist's documentation or talk with your physician to determine the type of laryngoscopy he performed, and then choose a code based on that information. You should just consider the brushing part of a diagnostic laryngoscopy.

You have three basic diagnostic laryngoscopy codes to choose from, and the one you report will depend on the type of laryngoscope your pulmonologist used:

• 31505--Laryngoscopy, indirect; diagnostic (separate procedure)
• 31515--Laryngoscopy, direct, with or without tracheoscopy; for aspiration
• 31575--Laryngoscopy, flexible fiberoptic; diagnostic.
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