How To Use CPT Code 31531

CPT 31531 describes the direct operative laryngoscopy procedure with foreign body removal using an operating microscope or telescope. 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 31531?

CPT 31531 is used to describe a specific procedure called direct operative laryngoscopy with foreign body removal. During this procedure, a healthcare provider uses a laryngoscope to directly visualize the larynx, or voice box, to detect and remove any foreign bodies. The provider may also use an operating microscope or telescope to properly visualize difficult areas or hidden foreign bodies.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 31531 is: ‘Laryngoscopy, direct, operative, with foreign body removal; with operating microscope or telescope.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The healthcare provider inserts a laryngoscope into the throat to view the laryngeal and hypopharyngeal structures.
3. The provider uses forceps to grasp and remove the foreign body in the larynx.
4. If necessary, the provider uses an operating microscope or telescope to properly visualize difficult areas or hidden foreign bodies.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 31531 is performed when a patient has a foreign body in their larynx that needs to be removed. The procedure is typically done under general anesthesia or conscious sedation. The healthcare provider must use a laryngoscope to directly visualize the larynx and adjacent structures. In some cases, an operating microscope or telescope may be necessary to properly visualize difficult areas or hidden foreign bodies.

5. When to use CPT code 31531

CPT code 31531 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a direct operative laryngoscopy with foreign body removal using an operating microscope or telescope. This code should not be reported in addition to code 69990.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 31531, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for foreign body removal
• Use of an operating microscope or telescope, if applicable
• Date and time of the procedure
• Details of the foreign body removal process
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 31531, ensure that the procedure involves direct operative laryngoscopy with foreign body removal using an operating microscope or telescope. Do not report code 69990 in addition to code 31531. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate billing and reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT 31531 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient presents with a fish bone lodged in their larynx. The healthcare provider performs a direct operative laryngoscopy with foreign body removal using an operating microscope.
2. A child accidentally swallows a small toy that becomes stuck in their larynx. The healthcare provider performs a direct operative laryngoscopy with foreign body removal using a telescope.
3. An adult inhales a piece of food that gets stuck in their larynx. The healthcare provider performs a direct operative laryngoscopy with foreign body removal using an operating microscope.
4. A patient complains of persistent throat discomfort and difficulty swallowing. The healthcare provider performs a direct operative laryngoscopy with foreign body removal using a telescope and discovers a small piece of metal lodged in the larynx.
5. A singer experiences hoarseness and vocal cord pain. The healthcare provider performs a direct operative laryngoscopy with foreign body removal using an operating microscope and identifies a small polyp on the vocal cords.
6. A patient presents with a history of recurrent throat infections. The healthcare provider performs a direct operative laryngoscopy with foreign body removal using a telescope and discovers a small abscess in the larynx.
7. A child accidentally ingests a button battery that becomes lodged in their larynx. The healthcare provider performs a direct operative laryngoscopy with foreign body removal using an operating microscope.
8. An adult complains of persistent coughing and throat irritation. The healthcare provider performs a direct operative laryngoscopy with foreign body removal using a telescope and discovers a small piece of plastic stuck in the larynx.
9. A patient presents with a history of voice changes and difficulty speaking. The healthcare provider performs a direct operative laryngoscopy with foreign body removal using an operating microscope and identifies a vocal cord nodule.
10. A child accidentally swallows a coin that becomes lodged in their larynx. The healthcare provider performs a direct operative laryngoscopy with foreign body removal using a telescope.