CPT Code 31631 | Description & Clinical Information
CPT 31631 describes the insertion of one or more stents in the narrowed area of the trachea during a procedure where the provider performs rigid or flexible bronchoscopy to view airways, and may also perform dilatation of the narrowed area if required before stent placement, with or without the use of fluoroscopic guidance.
Official Description
The CPT book defines CPT code 31631 as: “Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, including fluoroscopic guidance, when performed; with placement of tracheal stent(s) (includes tracheal/bronchial dilation as required)”.
Billing Guidelines
Refer to CPT codes 31636 and 31637 for the positioning of a bronchial stent.
To revise a tracheal/bronchial stent, utilize CPT code 31638.
Clinical Information
The procedure describes by CPT code 31631 involves a bronchoscopy, which is a medical technique used to examine the airways of a patient. During the procedure, a provider inserts a flexible or rigid tube, called a bronchoscope, into the patient’s nose or mouth. The provider then moves the scope down into the patient’s throat to examine the trachea or windpipe using the eyepiece.
The provider looks for any abnormalities, such as narrowing of the airways, and may pass a guide wire through the scope to the site of the narrowing. After finding the site of obstruction, the provider introduces a stent over the wire and places it in the trachea obstructed area. Depending on the extent of the obstruction, the provider may place multiple stents to ensure the area is secure.
Before placing the stent, the provider may need to perform further procedures to dilate the trachea or bronchus in the narrowed areas. For this purpose, she introduces dilators over the guide wire and dilates the obstructed area. Additionally, the provider may use fluoroscopic guidance to perform these procedures. This involves injecting a dye into the area and using X-ray imaging to guide the passage of the scope.
After the procedure is complete, the provider removes the instruments and scopes and monitors the patient’s vital signs. Bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that requires the patient to be appropriately prepped and anesthetized before being performed.
Bronchoscopy can be used to diagnose a variety of conditions, such as tumors, infections, or inflammation of the airways. It is also used to treat certain conditions, such as narrowing of the airways or to remove foreign objects lodged in the patient’s airway. This procedure is often used when other diagnostic methods, such as chest X-rays or CT scans, have not provided enough information.
Performing a bronchoscopy requires careful attention to detail and a deep understanding of the patient’s physiology. An experienced provider is key to ensuring the procedure is performed safely and effectively. Furthermore, the provider must take appropriate precautions to prevent infection or other complications during and after the procedure.
In conclusion, CPT code 31631 describes a bronchoscopy procedure that is used to examine and treat conditions of the airways. This minimally invasive technique requires the expertise of a skilled provider and can be an effective way to diagnose and treat various airway conditions. When performed correctly, this procedure can help patients breathe easier and improve their quality of life.
Return to all the CPT codes for endoscopy procedures on the trachea and bronchi.
