How To Use CPT Code 31502

CPT 31502 describes the procedure of changing a tracheotomy tube before the establishment of a fistula tract. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 31502?

CPT 31502 can be used to describe the procedure of changing a tracheotomy tube before the formation of a mature fistula tract. This code is specifically used within the first week of the tracheostomy to prevent infection before the fistula tract fully develops.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 31502 is: ‘Tracheotomy tube change prior to establishment of fistula tract.’

3. Procedure

1. When the patient is appropriately prepped, the healthcare provider removes the previously placed tracheotomy tube in the patient’s neck.
2. A new tracheotomy tube is inserted to prevent infection before the fistula tract matures.
3. The provider places an obturator in the outer cannula, a hollow tube that holds the tracheostomy open and is connected to a neck plate.
4. The inner cannula is then removed, and the new tube is securely placed while the obturator is held inside the outer cannula.
5. After the new tube is in place, the obturator is removed, and the provider inserts and locks the inner cannula.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 31502 is used when a tracheotomy tube change is performed before the establishment of a mature fistula tract. This code is typically used within the first week of the tracheostomy procedure. It should not be used for patients with long-term, established tracheostomies.

5. When to use CPT code 31502

CPT code 31502 should be used when a tracheotomy tube change is performed before the formation of a mature fistula tract. It is important to note that this code is not appropriate for patients with long-term, established tracheostomies.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 31502, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for a tracheotomy tube change
• Date and time of the procedure
• Details of the tube change procedure, including the removal of the previous tube and insertion of the new tube
• Any complications or additional procedures performed during the tube change
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 31502, ensure that the procedure is performed before the establishment of a mature fistula tract. This code should not be reported for patients with long-term, established tracheostomies. It is important to capture the work in an appropriate E/M code for tracheostomy tube changes on established tracheostomies.

8. Historical information

CPT 31502 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1991. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes a tracheotomy procedure, and within the first week, the healthcare provider performs a tracheotomy tube change to prevent infection before the fistula tract matures.
2. After a tracheostomy, the healthcare provider replaces the tracheotomy tube with a new one to ensure proper ventilation and prevent infection before the formation of a mature fistula tract.
3. During the early stages of a tracheostomy, the healthcare provider performs a tube change to maintain airway patency and minimize the risk of infection.
4. A patient with a recent tracheostomy undergoes a tube change to prevent complications and promote healing before the establishment of a mature fistula tract.
5. Within the first week of a tracheostomy, the healthcare provider performs a tube change to ensure proper airflow and reduce the risk of infection.
6. After a tracheotomy, the healthcare provider replaces the tracheostomy tube to maintain airway patency and prevent infection before the formation of a mature fistula tract.
7. A patient with a recent tracheostomy undergoes a tube change to prevent complications and promote healing before the establishment of a mature fistula tract.
8. During the early stages of a tracheostomy, the healthcare provider performs a tube change to maintain airway patency and minimize the risk of infection.
9. Within the first week of a tracheostomy, the healthcare provider performs a tube change to ensure proper airflow and reduce the risk of infection.
10. After a tracheotomy, the healthcare provider replaces the tracheostomy tube to maintain airway patency and prevent infection before the formation of a mature fistula tract.