How To Use CPT Code 31717

CPT 31717 describes a procedure called catheterization with bronchial brush biopsy. 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 31717?

CPT 31717 is a code used to describe a specific medical procedure. It involves the insertion of a catheter with an attached brush into the trachea and down to the target area in order to collect brush biopsies for pathology. This procedure allows healthcare providers to obtain tissue samples from the bronchial airways for further examination and diagnosis.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 31717 is a procedure that involves the catheterization of the trachea and bronchi using a brush biopsy technique. The provider inserts a catheter with an attached brush into the trachea, guides it to the bronchus, and collects a tissue sample for pathology evaluation.

3. Procedure

1. To perform CPT 31717, the patient is prepped and given anesthesia.
2. The patient is positioned in the supine position with their head slightly tilted downwards.
3. The provider inserts a needle through the skin and into the trachea.
4. A catheter with an attached brush is passed over the needle and guided to the bronchus.
5. The provider collects a tissue sample from the bronchial airways using the brush.
6. After the sample is collected, the catheter and needle are slowly removed.
7. The patient is then transferred to the recovery room for further observation.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 31717 is typically performed on patients who require a brush biopsy of the bronchial airways for pathology evaluation. This procedure is used to diagnose various respiratory conditions and diseases. It is important to note that only trained healthcare providers should perform this procedure to ensure accurate and safe collection of tissue samples.

5. When to use CPT code 31717

CPT code 31717 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a catheterization procedure with a brush biopsy technique to collect tissue samples from the bronchial airways. This code is specific to this particular procedure and should not be used for other types of bronchial biopsies or catheterizations.

6. Documentation requirements

When reporting CPT code 31717, healthcare providers must document the following information:

• Patient’s medical history and reason for the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the use of a catheter and brush biopsy technique
• Location of the target area in the bronchial airways
• Any complications or adverse events that occurred during the procedure
• Pathology evaluation results, if available
• Provider’s signature and credentials

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 31717, it is important to follow the appropriate guidelines. This code should be reported for the catheterization procedure with brush biopsy technique specifically. It should not be reported with other codes unless there are additional distinct procedures performed. It is also important to ensure accurate documentation and coding to support the medical necessity of the procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT code 31717 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to this code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A pulmonologist performing a catheterization with bronchial brush biopsy to collect tissue samples from a patient with suspected lung cancer.
2. An interventional radiologist using CPT code 31717 to perform a brush biopsy during a bronchoscopy procedure for a patient with unexplained respiratory symptoms.
3. A thoracic surgeon performing a catheterization with bronchial brush biopsy to evaluate a patient with a persistent cough and abnormal chest X-ray findings.
4. An oncologist using CPT code 31717 to collect tissue samples from the bronchial airways of a patient with suspected metastatic lung cancer.
5. A pulmonologist performing a brush biopsy during a bronchoscopy procedure to diagnose a patient with suspected tuberculosis.
6. A respiratory therapist assisting a pulmonologist in performing a catheterization with bronchial brush biopsy for a patient with suspected fungal infection in the bronchial airways.
7. An anesthesiologist providing anesthesia services during a catheterization with bronchial brush biopsy procedure performed by a pulmonologist.
8. A pathologist examining the tissue samples collected during a catheterization with bronchial brush biopsy to determine the presence of abnormal cells or diseases.
9. A nurse documenting the details of a catheterization with bronchial brush biopsy procedure performed by a pulmonologist in the patient’s medical record.
10. A medical coder assigning CPT code 31717 to a catheterization with bronchial brush biopsy procedure based on the documentation provided by the healthcare provider.