How To Use CPT Code 31375

CPT 31375 describes a specific surgical procedure known as partial laryngectomy (hemilaryngectomy); laterovertical. This article will provide an overview of CPT code 31375, including its official description, the procedure involved, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and similar codes.

1. What is CPT Code 31375?

CPT 31375 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure called partial laryngectomy (hemilaryngectomy); laterovertical. This procedure involves the removal of a specific part of the larynx, known as the voice box. In the laterovertical hemilaryngectomy, the surgeon removes a vocal cord and nearby cartilage. It is important to note that this code should not be used to describe other types of partial laryngectomy procedures.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 31375 is: ‘Partial laryngectomy (hemilaryngectomy); laterovertical.’ This code specifically refers to the surgical removal of a vocal cord and adjacent cartilage in the larynx.

3. Procedure

1. During the surgical procedure, the patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The surgeon begins by making a separate incision for tracheostomy, which allows the patient to breathe during the surgery.
3. Next, the surgeon makes an incision through the muscles covering the front of the neck.
4. A lateral, or side, incision is made at the diseased part of the larynx.
5. The surgeon carefully removes only the affected portion of the larynx, including a vocal cord and the adjacent cartilage.
6. The incision on the cartilage covering the larynx is closed using sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 31375 is used when a patient requires a partial laryngectomy (hemilaryngectomy); laterovertical procedure. This may be necessary for various reasons, such as the presence of a tumor or other disease affecting the vocal cord and adjacent cartilage. It is important to note that this procedure should only be performed by a qualified surgeon with expertise in laryngeal surgery.

5. When to use CPT code 31375

CPT code 31375 should be used when a surgeon performs a partial laryngectomy (hemilaryngectomy); laterovertical procedure. It is important to ensure that the specific criteria for this procedure are met, including the removal of a vocal cord and adjacent cartilage. If the procedure involves a different type of partial laryngectomy, a different CPT code should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 31375, the surgeon must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for a partial laryngectomy (hemilaryngectomy); laterovertical procedure
• Details of the surgical procedure performed, including the specific structures removed
• Date of the surgery
• Any additional relevant information, such as complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the surgeon performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 31375, it is important to ensure that the procedure performed meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. This includes the removal of a vocal cord and adjacent cartilage through a laterovertical approach. It is also important to follow any additional guidelines provided by the payer or coding guidelines. It is recommended to review the specific billing guidelines for CPT code 31375 to ensure accurate and appropriate reporting.

8. Historical information

CPT code 31375 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. Since its addition, there have been no updates or changes to the code.

9. Examples

1. A surgeon performs a partial laryngectomy (hemilaryngectomy); laterovertical procedure to remove a vocal cord and adjacent cartilage in a patient with laryngeal cancer.
2. During a laterovertical hemilaryngectomy, a surgeon removes a vocal cord and nearby cartilage in a patient with a benign tumor affecting the larynx.
3. A partial laryngectomy (hemilaryngectomy); laterovertical procedure is performed by a surgeon to address a congenital abnormality in the vocal cord and adjacent cartilage.
4. In a patient with recurrent laryngeal papillomatosis, a surgeon performs a laterovertical hemilaryngectomy to remove the affected vocal cord and adjacent cartilage.
5. A partial laryngectomy (hemilaryngectomy); laterovertical procedure is performed to address a traumatic injury to the vocal cord and adjacent cartilage in a patient.
6. A surgeon performs a laterovertical hemilaryngectomy to remove a vocal cord and nearby cartilage affected by a laryngeal polyp.
7. In a patient with laryngeal dysplasia, a partial laryngectomy (hemilaryngectomy); laterovertical procedure is performed to remove the affected vocal cord and adjacent cartilage.
8. A surgeon performs a laterovertical hemilaryngectomy to address a vocal cord and adjacent cartilage affected by a laryngeal cyst in a patient.
9. In a patient with laryngeal stenosis, a partial laryngectomy (hemilaryngectomy); laterovertical procedure is performed to remove the affected vocal cord and adjacent cartilage.
10. A surgeon performs a laterovertical hemilaryngectomy to remove a vocal cord and nearby cartilage affected by a laryngeal granuloma in a patient.