Pulmonology Coding Alert
Can You Code This Bronchial Biopsy?
Question: Our pulmonologist performed a bronchoscopy with transbronchial biopsies. He discovered blood clots in the bronchus intermedius, in the right middle lobe, and in the right lower lobe. He performed successful removal using a combination of modalities including Fogarty balloon, debulking, and suction. The Fogarty balloon was advanced distally past the clot, inflated, and pulled back proximally along the tracheobronchial tree to dislodge the clots, and they were removed from the airway using suction. The process was done multiple times to remove substantial clot (casts of the airway). Which code should I use for the clot removal? Tennessee Subscriber Answer: Unfortunately, CPT® does not include a specific code that describes bronchoscopy along with clot removal performed via a combination of multiple modalities. If the physician feels that 31630 (Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, including fluoroscopic guidance, when performed; with tracheal/bronchial dilation or closed reduction of fracture) describes the service they provided, then you might consider that, but you’d probably need to append modifier 22 (Increased procedural services) to reflect the addition work performed. If the physician feels that 31630-22 doesn’t accurately describe the service, then your best bet might be to report an unlisted code such as 31899 (Unlisted procedure, trachea, bronchi). The payer may prefer that you report the service with the unlisted procedure code. Before to check with the payer before submitting the claim.
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Can You Code This Bronchial Biopsy?
Question: Our pulmonologist performed a bronchoscopy with transbronchial biopsies. He discovered blood clots in the [...]
