How To Use CPT Code 31633

CPT 31633 describes a specific endoscopic procedure performed on the trachea and bronchi. 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 31633?

CPT 31633 is a code that represents a particular endoscopic procedure performed on the trachea and bronchi. This procedure involves the use of a diagnostic rigid or flexible bronchoscope to obtain one or more biopsies from an additional lobe using a transbronchial needle aspiration technique. The provider may also use fluoroscopic guidance during the procedure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 31633 is: ‘Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, including fluoroscopic guidance, when performed; with transbronchial needle aspiration biopsy(s), each additional lobe (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’ It is important to note that this code should only be reported once, regardless of the number of transbronchial needle aspiration biopsies performed in the trachea or additional lobe.

3. Procedure

1. During the procedure, the provider uses a diagnostic rigid or flexible bronchoscope to examine the airways in the trachea and bronchi.
2. If necessary, the provider may use fluoroscopic guidance to assist in visualizing the structures.
3. The provider advances the bronchoscope to an additional lobe of the lung.
4. Using a transbronchial needle aspiration technique, the provider takes one or more biopsies of tissue from the additional lobe.
5. The biopsies are then sent for further investigation.
6. Once the procedure is complete, the provider removes the bronchoscope.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 31633 is performed when the patient requires a transbronchial needle aspiration biopsy(s) of an additional lobe during a bronchoscopy procedure. This code should be used in conjunction with a primary procedure code, such as CPT 31629. It is important to note that CPT 31633 should only be reported once, regardless of the number of biopsies performed in the trachea or additional lobe.

5. When to use CPT code 31633

CPT code 31633 should be used when the provider performs a transbronchial needle aspiration biopsy(s) of an additional lobe during a bronchoscopy procedure. It is important to ensure that the primary procedure code, such as CPT 31629, is also reported in conjunction with CPT 31633. This code should not be reported without an appropriate primary code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 31633, the provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the procedure
• Details of the bronchoscopy procedure, including the use of fluoroscopic guidance
• Specific lobe(s) from which the biopsies were obtained
• Number of biopsies performed
• Any complications or adverse events
• Signature of the provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 31633, it is important to ensure that the procedure is performed in conjunction with a primary procedure, such as CPT 31629. Payers will not reimburse for CPT 31633 if it is reported without an appropriate primary code. Additionally, it is important to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT 31633 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2004. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs a bronchoscopy procedure with transbronchial needle aspiration biopsies of the trachea and an additional lobe of the lung.
2. During a bronchoscopy procedure, the provider uses fluoroscopic guidance to assist in obtaining transbronchial needle aspiration biopsies from the main stem bronchus and an additional lobe.
3. A patient undergoes a bronchoscopy procedure with transbronchial needle aspiration biopsies of the trachea and two additional lobes of the lung.
4. During a bronchoscopy procedure, the provider obtains transbronchial needle aspiration biopsies from the trachea and an additional lobe using fluoroscopic guidance.
5. A provider performs a bronchoscopy procedure with transbronchial needle aspiration biopsies of the trachea and three additional lobes of the lung.
6. During a bronchoscopy procedure, the provider uses fluoroscopic guidance to assist in obtaining transbronchial needle aspiration biopsies from the main stem bronchus and two additional lobes.
7. A patient undergoes a bronchoscopy procedure with transbronchial needle aspiration biopsies of the trachea and four additional lobes of the lung.
8. During a bronchoscopy procedure, the provider obtains transbronchial needle aspiration biopsies from the trachea and an additional lobe using fluoroscopic guidance.
9. A provider performs a bronchoscopy procedure with transbronchial needle aspiration biopsies of the trachea and five additional lobes of the lung.
10. During a bronchoscopy procedure, the provider uses fluoroscopic guidance to assist in obtaining transbronchial needle aspiration biopsies from the main stem bronchus and three additional lobes.