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Pulmonology Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Fiberscope Is Key Component of 31725

Published on Mon Aug 27, 2007

Question: Code manager describes 31725 as "therapeutic aspiration of the trachea or bronchial tree with a catheter." Should I use this code for suctioning the airway such as via endotracheal tube (ETT) or tracheotomy tube or for nasotracheal (NT) suctioning? Florida Subscriber Answer: No. CPT limits 31725 (Catheter aspiration [separate procedure]; tracheobronchial with fiberscope, bedside) to a fiberoptic bronchoscope. Use the code for catheter aspiration of the tracheobronchial tree at bedside. For aspiration through the nasotracheal area, use 31720 (Catheter aspiration [separate procedure]; nasotracheal).
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