How To Use CPT Code 31551

CPT 31551 describes the surgical repair of the larynx in children under the age of 12. 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 31551?

CPT 31551 can be used to describe the surgical repair of the larynx in children under the age of 12. This code is used when the provider performs a laryngoplasty, which involves accessing the larynx through a tracheotomy. The procedure aims to correct laryngeal stenosis, or narrowing, by placing a cartilage graft on the larynx for stability.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 31551 is: ‘Laryngoplasty; for laryngeal stenosis, with graft, without indwelling stent placement, younger than 12 years of age.’ It is important to note that if the graft is harvested through the laryngoplasty incision, it should not be reported separately.

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient, who is under 12 years of age, for the laryngoplasty procedure.
2. An incision is made in the neck and trachea to access the larynx.
3. The provider may dilate the trachea and remove any web tissue to free up the vocal cords and affected area of the posterior glottis.
4. The larynx is carefully accessed, and any web structures are divided and covered with mucosa.
5. If necessary, a submucous resection technique may be used to remove a laryngeal web from the area of stenosis.
6. A cartilage graft is placed on the larynx to provide stability to the larynx and trachea.
7. The area is inspected, bleeding is controlled, and the incision is closed with sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 31551 is used for children under the age of 12 who require surgical repair of the larynx due to laryngeal stenosis. The procedure involves placing a cartilage graft on the larynx for stability. It is important to note that CPT code 31551 should not be reported in conjunction with codes 31552, 31553, 31554, or 31580. Tracheostomy procedures have their own specific codes (31600, 31601, 31603, 31605, 31610) and should not be reported with CPT 31551.

5. When to use CPT code 31551

CPT code 31551 should be used when a provider performs a laryngoplasty procedure on a child under the age of 12 to correct laryngeal stenosis. It should not be used for patients aged 12 or older. If an indwelling stent is placed during the procedure, a different code should be used (31553 for patients under 12, 31554 for patients 12 or older).

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 31551, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s age and diagnosis of laryngeal stenosis
• Details of the procedure, including the use of a cartilage graft and absence of indwelling stent placement
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional procedures performed during the same session
• Any complications or unexpected findings
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 31551, ensure that the procedure is performed on a child under the age of 12 and that a cartilage graft is used without indwelling stent placement. It is important to note that CPT 31551 should not be reported with codes 31552, 31553, 31554, or 31580. Additional tips for reporting CPT 31551 include:

• If the graft is harvested through the laryngoplasty incision, it should not be reported separately.
• For patients aged 12 or older, use code 31552 for laryngoplasty with graft without indwelling stent placement.
• For patients under 12 with indwelling stent placement, use code 31553.
• For patients aged 12 or older with indwelling stent placement, use code 31554.
• For other laryngoplasty procedures, refer to codes 31580-31592.

8. Historical information

CPT 31551 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2017. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs a laryngoplasty on a 10-year-old child to correct laryngeal stenosis without indwelling stent placement.
2. A 6-year-old child undergoes a laryngoplasty procedure to address laryngeal stenosis using a cartilage graft.
3. A provider performs a laryngoplasty on an 8-year-old child to correct laryngeal stenosis without indwelling stent placement.
4. A 4-year-old child undergoes a laryngoplasty procedure to address laryngeal stenosis using a cartilage graft.
5. A provider performs a laryngoplasty on a 9-year-old child to correct laryngeal stenosis without indwelling stent placement.