How To Use CPT Code 31570

CPT 31570 describes the therapeutic procedure of laryngoscopy with injection into vocal cord(s). This article will cover the description, official definition, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 31570?

CPT 31570 is used to describe a therapeutic procedure called laryngoscopy with injection into vocal cord(s). This procedure involves the use of a laryngoscope to directly view the larynx and adjacent structures in order to detect any abnormalities. During the procedure, a therapeutic agent is injected into one or more vocal cords to address specific issues or conditions.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 31570 is: ‘Laryngoscopy, direct, with injection into vocal cord(s), therapeutic.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized for the procedure.
2. The healthcare provider inserts a laryngoscope into the throat to directly view the laryngeal and hypopharyngeal structures.
3. A syringe is used to inject a therapeutic agent, which can be a liquid or paste, into the affected vocal cord.
4. The healthcare provider tests the vocal cord by asking the patient to say some vowels to assess the effectiveness of the injection.
5. If necessary, additional injections may be administered to address the specific condition or issue.
6. This procedure is commonly performed in cases of vocal cord paralysis.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 31570 is performed when a patient has a condition or issue that requires therapeutic intervention in the vocal cords. This procedure is typically done for patients with vocal cord paralysis. It is important to note that this procedure should be performed by a qualified healthcare provider who has the necessary expertise and training in laryngoscopy and vocal cord injections.

5. When to use CPT code 31570

CPT code 31570 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a laryngoscopy with injection into vocal cord(s) for therapeutic purposes. It is important to accurately document the procedure and ensure that it meets the specific requirements outlined in the code description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 31570, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis or condition necessitating the therapeutic procedure
• Details of the laryngoscopy procedure, including the use of a laryngoscope and direct visualization of the larynx and adjacent structures
• Type of therapeutic agent injected into the vocal cord(s)
• Results of the procedure, including any improvements in vocal cord function
• Any additional injections administered during the procedure
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 31570, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific requirements outlined in the code description. The procedure should be performed by a qualified healthcare provider with the necessary expertise and training. It is also important to follow any additional guidelines or requirements set forth by the payer or insurance company.

8. Historical information

CPT 31570 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code underwent a change on January 1, 2010, with the addition of the term ‘therapeutic’ to the code description.

9. Examples

1. A patient with vocal cord paralysis undergoes laryngoscopy with injection into the affected vocal cord to improve vocal cord function.
2. A healthcare provider performs laryngoscopy with injection into vocal cord(s) for a patient with a vocal cord lesion to address the specific issue.
3. During a therapeutic procedure, a healthcare provider injects a therapeutic agent into the vocal cord(s) of a patient with vocal cord nodules to alleviate symptoms and improve vocal cord function.
4. A patient with vocal cord polyps undergoes laryngoscopy with injection into the affected vocal cord to reduce the size of the polyps and improve vocal cord function.
5. A healthcare provider performs laryngoscopy with injection into vocal cord(s) for a patient with vocal cord hemorrhage to address the bleeding and promote healing.
6. During a therapeutic procedure, a healthcare provider injects a therapeutic agent into the vocal cord(s) of a patient with vocal cord granuloma to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
7. A patient with vocal cord scarring undergoes laryngoscopy with injection into the affected vocal cord to improve vocal cord function and reduce scarring.
8. A healthcare provider performs laryngoscopy with injection into vocal cord(s) for a patient with vocal cord papilloma to address the specific issue and promote healing.
9. During a therapeutic procedure, a healthcare provider injects a therapeutic agent into the vocal cord(s) of a patient with vocal cord cysts to reduce the size of the cysts and improve vocal cord function.
10. A patient with vocal cord web undergoes laryngoscopy with injection into the affected vocal cord to separate the vocal cords and improve vocal cord function.