How To Use CPT Code 31420

CPT 31420 describes the excision of all or part of the patient’s epiglottis. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 31420?

CPT 31420 can be used to describe the surgical procedure in which a healthcare provider removes all or a portion of the patient’s epiglottis. This code is used when the provider excises the epiglottis due to difficulty swallowing, snoring while sleeping, or the presence of a tumor.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 31420 is the excision of all or part of the patient’s epiglottis. This procedure may be performed through the mouth or by making a horizontal skin incision in the patient’s neck at the level of the hyoid bone. The provider then removes the affected portion of the epiglottis and closes the incision with sutures if necessary.

3. Procedure

1. The patient is prepared and anesthetized appropriately for the procedure.
2. The provider begins the excision of all or part of the epiglottis, depending on the affected area.
3. The provider may approach the epiglottis through the mouth or make a horizontal skin incision in the patient’s neck at the level of the hyoid bone.
4. If approaching through the mouth, the provider inspects the epiglottis and removes the affected portion.
5. If making a neck incision, the provider releases the hyoid muscles, incises the pharynx above the hyoid, inspects the epiglottis, and removes the affected portion.
6. The provider closes the incision with sutures as required.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 31420 is performed in patients who have difficulty swallowing, snore while sleeping, or have a tumor affecting the epiglottis. The procedure is typically performed by a healthcare provider who is trained and qualified to perform surgical excisions. The patient’s condition and symptoms must warrant the removal of all or part of the epiglottis.

5. When to use CPT code 31420

CPT code 31420 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the excision of all or part of the patient’s epiglottis. This code is appropriate when the procedure is necessary to address difficulty swallowing, snoring while sleeping, or the presence of a tumor affecting the epiglottis.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 31420, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s symptoms and the need for the epiglottidectomy
• Details of the procedure, including the approach used (through the mouth or neck incision)
• Extent of the excision (all or part of the epiglottis)
• Any additional procedures performed during the same surgical session
• Any complications or unexpected findings
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 31420, ensure that the procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare provider and is medically necessary. It is important to accurately document the details of the procedure and any additional services provided during the same surgical session. CPT code 31420 should not be reported with other codes unless additional procedures are performed. Follow the appropriate coding guidelines and modifiers as required by the payer.

8. Historical information

CPT 31420 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient with difficulty swallowing undergoes an epiglottidectomy to improve their ability to eat and drink.
2. A patient who snores while sleeping undergoes an epiglottidectomy to alleviate their snoring and improve sleep quality.
3. A patient with a tumor affecting the epiglottis undergoes an epiglottidectomy to remove the tumor and prevent further complications.
4. A healthcare provider performs an epiglottidectomy as part of a larger surgical procedure to address multiple issues in the patient’s airway.
5. A patient with a history of recurrent infections in the epiglottis undergoes an epiglottidectomy to prevent future infections.
6. A patient with a congenital abnormality of the epiglottis undergoes an epiglottidectomy to correct the abnormality and improve their airway function.
7. A healthcare provider performs an epiglottidectomy to obtain a tissue sample for further diagnostic testing in a patient with suspected cancer.
8. A patient with a traumatic injury to the epiglottis undergoes an epiglottidectomy to repair the damage and restore normal function.
9. A patient with a history of chronic inflammation in the epiglottis undergoes an epiglottidectomy to alleviate their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
10. A healthcare provider performs an epiglottidectomy as part of a larger surgical procedure to address multiple issues in the patient’s throat and airway.