Pulmonology Coding Alert

Question: My pulmonologist performed a bronchoscopy on a burn victim through an endotracheal tube. Should I bill 31615? I hear some practices use 3162x. Does it apply on the procedure?

New Jersey Subscriber

Answer: You should not report two codes for one procedure. CPT 31615 describes a tracheobronchoscopy through an established tracheostomy site or incision.

This is not the same as an endotracheal tube (ETT).You should report bronchoscopic services performed through the ETT in the standard manner, which is 31622 (Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, including fluoroscopic guidance, when performed; diagnostic, with cell washing, when performed [separate procedure]) in this case.

Quick fact: Originally, many physicians performed fiberoptic bronchoscopy through an ET tube which they inserted before the procedure and took out when they completed the procedure.