How To Use CPT Code 31575

CPT 31575 refers to a diagnostic flexible laryngoscopy procedure. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT code 31575.

1. What is CPT 31575?

CPT 31575 is a medical code used to describe a diagnostic flexible laryngoscopy procedure. This procedure involves the use of a flexible laryngoscope to examine the larynx, or voice box, for any abnormalities. The code is applicable to diagnostic services and is essential for medical coders and billers to accurately document and bill for this specific procedure.

2. 31575 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 31575 is: “Laryngoscopy, flexible; diagnostic.”

3. Procedure

The 31575 procedure involves the following steps:

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider inserts a flexible laryngoscope, typically into the nose.
3. The provider views the nose, throat, and larynx, specifically the laryngeal and hypopharyngeal structures along with proper visualization of the vocal folds.
4. The provider examines the larynx for any abnormalities or issues.
5. The laryngoscope is removed, and the patient is monitored for any complications or adverse reactions.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT code 31575 services are those who present with symptoms or conditions that warrant a diagnostic examination of the larynx. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Hoarseness or voice changes
• Difficulty swallowing
• Chronic cough
• Throat pain or discomfort
• Suspected laryngeal masses or lesions
• Assessment of vocal cord function before or after surgery

5. When to use CPT code 31575

It is appropriate to bill the 31575 CPT code when a diagnostic flexible laryngoscopy is performed to examine the larynx for any abnormalities or issues. This code should be used regardless of whether the scope is inserted via the nose or mouth, as the primary focus is on the examination of the larynx.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 31575, the following information should be documented:

• Patient’s medical history and presenting symptoms or conditions
• Physical examination findings
• Indication for the diagnostic flexible laryngoscopy
• Details of the procedure, including the type of laryngoscope used, the insertion site, and the structures examined
• Findings and observations during the laryngoscopy
• Any complications or adverse reactions
• Diagnosis or impression based on the laryngoscopy findings
• Recommended treatment plan or follow-up care

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 31575, it is essential to follow the appropriate guidelines and rules. Some tips and codes that apply to CPT code 31575 include:

• Do not report 31575 in conjunction with 31231, unless performed for a separate condition using a separate endoscope.
• Do not report 31575 in conjunction with 31572, 31573, 31574, 31576, 31577, 31578, 42975, 43197, 43198, 92511, 92612, 92614, or 92616.
• Ensure that the documentation supports the medical necessity of the diagnostic flexible laryngoscopy.
• Verify that the patient’s symptoms or conditions warrant the use of CPT code 31575.

8. Historical information

CPT 31575 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code was changed on January 1, 2017, with the previous descriptor being “Laryngoscopy, flexible fiberoptic; diagnostic.”

9. Similar codes to CPT 31575

Five similar codes to CPT 31575 and how they differentiate are:

• CPT 31572: Involves a flexible laryngoscopy with the removal of a foreign body.
• CPT 31573: Involves a flexible laryngoscopy with biopsy.
• CPT 31574: Involves a flexible laryngoscopy with the removal of a lesion.
• CPT 31576: Involves a flexible laryngoscopy with the injection of a therapeutic agent.
• CPT 31231: Involves a diagnostic nasal endoscopy, focusing on the examination of the nasal cavity rather than the larynx.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 31575 procedures:

1. A patient presents with hoarseness and voice changes, and the provider performs a diagnostic flexible laryngoscopy to assess the vocal cords.
2. A patient with a history of throat cancer undergoes a diagnostic flexible laryngoscopy to monitor for any recurrence or new lesions.
3. A patient complains of difficulty swallowing, and the provider uses a diagnostic flexible laryngoscopy to examine the larynx for any obstructions or abnormalities.
4. A patient with a chronic cough undergoes a diagnostic flexible laryngoscopy to rule out any laryngeal issues.
5. A patient presents with throat pain and discomfort, and the provider performs a diagnostic flexible laryngoscopy to identify any potential causes.
6. A patient with a suspected laryngeal mass undergoes a diagnostic flexible laryngoscopy for further evaluation.
7. A patient requires assessment of vocal cord function before thyroid surgery, and the provider performs a diagnostic flexible laryngoscopy.
8. A patient with a history of vocal cord paralysis undergoes a diagnostic flexible laryngoscopy to monitor their progress and response to treatment.
9. A patient presents with unexplained shortness of breath, and the provider performs a diagnostic flexible laryngoscopy to rule out any laryngeal issues.
10. A patient with a history of laryngeal trauma undergoes a diagnostic flexible laryngoscopy to assess the healing process and identify any complications.