How To Use CPT Code 31577

CPT 31577 describes the use of a flexible laryngoscope to examine the larynx and remove any foreign bodies present. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 31577?

CPT 31577 can be used to describe the procedure in which a healthcare provider uses a flexible laryngoscope to examine the larynx and remove any foreign bodies that may be present. This code is used when the provider performs a diagnostic examination of the larynx and performs the necessary removal of foreign bodies.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 31577 is: ‘Laryngoscopy, flexible; with removal of foreign body(s).’ This code is used when a healthcare provider uses a flexible laryngoscope to examine the larynx and removes any foreign bodies that are detected during the examination.

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares the patient for the procedure, ensuring appropriate anesthesia and patient comfort.
2. Using a flexible laryngoscope, the provider inserts the scope, typically through the nose, to visualize the laryngeal and hypopharyngeal structures, including the vocal folds.
3. During the examination, the provider carefully looks for any foreign bodies that may be present inside the larynx.
4. If a foreign body is detected, the provider uses appropriate instruments to safely remove the foreign body from the larynx and vocal folds.
5. After the removal of the foreign body, the provider completes the examination and ensures the patient’s comfort and safety.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 31577 is used when a healthcare provider performs a flexible laryngoscopy to examine the larynx and removes any foreign bodies that are detected during the examination. This procedure is typically performed on patients who have symptoms or signs of a foreign body in the larynx, such as difficulty breathing, coughing, or choking. The provider must use a flexible laryngoscope and have the necessary skills and training to perform the procedure safely and effectively.

5. When to use CPT code 31577

CPT code 31577 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a flexible laryngoscopy to examine the larynx and removes any foreign bodies that are detected during the examination. This code is appropriate when the provider performs both the diagnostic examination and the removal of the foreign body during the same encounter.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 31577, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the procedure and the presence of symptoms or signs of a foreign body in the larynx
• Details of the procedure, including the use of a flexible laryngoscope and the removal of the foreign body
• Date and time of the procedure
• Any complications or adverse events that occurred during the procedure
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 31577, ensure that the procedure involves the use of a flexible laryngoscope and the removal of a foreign body from the larynx. It is important to document the details of the procedure and any complications or adverse events that occurred. CPT code 31577 should not be reported with other codes for laryngoscopy procedures that do not involve the removal of foreign bodies.

8. Historical information

CPT 31577 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code description was updated on January 1, 2017 to clarify that the procedure involves the removal of foreign body(s) from the larynx.

9. Examples

1. A patient presents with a history of choking and difficulty breathing. The healthcare provider performs a flexible laryngoscopy and detects a foreign body in the larynx. The provider successfully removes the foreign body during the same encounter.
2. A child is brought to the emergency department with a persistent cough and hoarseness. The healthcare provider performs a flexible laryngoscopy and identifies a small object lodged in the larynx. The provider removes the foreign body using appropriate instruments.
3. An adult patient complains of a sensation of something stuck in their throat. The healthcare provider performs a flexible laryngoscopy and discovers a fishbone lodged in the larynx. The provider safely removes the fishbone during the examination.
4. A patient presents with a history of recurrent throat infections. The healthcare provider performs a flexible laryngoscopy and identifies a tonsil stone in the larynx. The provider removes the tonsil stone using specialized instruments.
5. A professional singer experiences voice changes and difficulty reaching high notes. The healthcare provider performs a flexible laryngoscopy and finds a vocal cord nodule. The provider removes the nodule during the examination.
6. A patient complains of persistent throat pain. The healthcare provider performs a flexible laryngoscopy and detects a foreign body in the larynx. The provider successfully removes the foreign body using appropriate techniques.
7. An elderly patient presents with a chronic cough. The healthcare provider performs a flexible laryngoscopy and discovers a piece of food stuck in the larynx. The provider removes the food particle during the examination.
8. A child is brought to the clinic with a history of recurrent respiratory infections. The healthcare provider performs a flexible laryngoscopy and identifies an enlarged adenoid obstructing the larynx. The provider removes the adenoid during the examination.
9. A patient complains of difficulty swallowing. The healthcare provider performs a flexible laryngoscopy and finds a foreign body in the larynx. The provider successfully removes the foreign body during the same encounter.