How To Use CPT Code 31571

CPT 31571 describes the therapeutic procedure of laryngoscopy with injection into vocal cord(s) using an operating microscope or telescope. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 31571?

CPT 31571 is used to describe a therapeutic procedure in which a healthcare provider uses a laryngoscope to directly view the larynx and adjacent structures. During this procedure, the provider injects a therapeutic agent into one or more vocal cords under the guidance of an operating microscope or telescope. This code is typically used when treating vocal cord paralysis.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 31571 is: ‘Laryngoscopy, direct, with injection into vocal cord(s), therapeutic; with operating microscope or telescope.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares the patient and administers anesthesia.
2. Using a laryngoscope, the provider inserts the instrument into the throat to directly view the laryngeal and hypopharyngeal structures.
3. Under the guidance of an operating microscope or telescope, the provider injects a therapeutic agent into the affected vocal cord(s).
4. The provider may perform additional injections if necessary, based on the patient’s response and the desired outcome.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 31571 is typically performed on patients with vocal cord paralysis. The procedure is carried out by a healthcare provider who is experienced in laryngoscopy and has the necessary equipment, such as an operating microscope or telescope, to perform the injection accurately. It is important to note that CPT 31571 should not be reported in conjunction with CPT code 69990.

5. When to use CPT code 31571

CPT code 31571 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a therapeutic laryngoscopy with injection into vocal cord(s) using an operating microscope or telescope. This code is appropriate for cases involving vocal cord paralysis or other conditions that require the injection of a therapeutic agent into the vocal cords.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 31571, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for therapeutic laryngoscopy
• Details of the procedure, including the use of an operating microscope or telescope
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Specific vocal cord(s) injected and the therapeutic agent used
• Response of the patient to the injection and any additional injections performed
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 31571, ensure that the procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare provider using an operating microscope or telescope. It is important to note that CPT code 31571 should not be reported in conjunction with CPT code 69990. Follow the appropriate coding guidelines and modifiers when reporting this procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 31571 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 vocal cord paralysis undergoes a therapeutic laryngoscopy with injection into the affected vocal cord using an operating microscope.
2. A healthcare provider performs a therapeutic laryngoscopy with injection into the vocal cords of a patient with a vocal cord lesion, using a telescope for guidance.
3. During a therapeutic laryngoscopy, a provider injects a therapeutic agent into the vocal cords of a patient with vocal cord nodules, using an operating microscope.
4. A patient with vocal cord paralysis receives a therapeutic laryngoscopy with injection into the vocal cords, guided by an operating microscope.
5. A healthcare provider performs a therapeutic laryngoscopy with injection into the vocal cords of a patient with vocal cord polyps, using a telescope for visualization.
6. During a therapeutic laryngoscopy, a provider injects a therapeutic agent into the vocal cords of a patient with vocal cord cysts, using an operating microscope.
7. A patient with vocal cord paralysis undergoes a therapeutic laryngoscopy with injection into the affected vocal cord using an operating microscope.
8. A healthcare provider performs a therapeutic laryngoscopy with injection into the vocal cords of a patient with a vocal cord lesion, using a telescope for guidance.
9. During a therapeutic laryngoscopy, a provider injects a therapeutic agent into the vocal cords of a patient with vocal cord nodules, using an operating microscope.
10. A patient with vocal cord paralysis receives a therapeutic laryngoscopy with injection into the vocal cords, guided by an operating microscope.