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Pulmonology Coding Alert

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Identify Scope to Accurately Report Laryngoscopy

Published on Mon Mar 26, 2012

Question: Our pulmonologist recently performed a laryngoscopy procedure on one of our patients. The documentation states that a biopsy of the vocal cord was conducted during the procedure, but I am not too sure about how to report this procedure, as there are different laryngoscopy codes (for rigid and flexible scopes) to choose from.Minnesota SubscriberAnswer: There are several methods used for laryngoscopy services:Indirect laryngoscopy examines the voice box by placing a mirror in the back of the mouth at an angle for light to be directed to the voice box area. This provides a reflected image of the larynx. Indirect laryngoscopy is not preformed as frequently since flexible laryngoscopes allow for a better and more comfortable viewing.Direct laryngoscopy examines the larynx by a scope to provide a magnified view of the voice box. Direct rigid laryngoscopy is often used in surgery under general anesthesia to remove foreign objects in the [...]
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