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Pulmonology Coding Alert

You Be the Coder:

Check Your Options for Procedures Performed Through Established Trach

Published on Sun Nov 25, 2012

Question: Our pulmonologist performed bronchoscopy through established trach (patient is vent dependent) - findings were mucus plugs in left lung and small 3 mm endobrachial lesion at start of middle lobe bronchus, right lung. I know 31615 covers bronchoscopy through trach but will this code cover the biopsy and mucus plug suction? I had come up with 31615 and 31624 and 31625 but CCI edit states 31624 and 31625 are part of 31615 - any help would be appreciated! Michigan Subscriber Answer: When your pulmonologist performs a bronchoscopy through an established tracheostomy, you can report it with 31615 (Tracheobronchoscopy through established tracheostomy incision). However, it is vital to remember that 31615 can be used only when your pulmonologist views the airways without performing any other procedure. You do not have any specific code to report a procedure such as a biopsy through an established tracheostomy, as is the case in [...]
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