How To Use CPT Code 31725

CPT 31725 describes the procedure of catheter aspiration, specifically for the tracheobronchial tree, using a fiberscope at the bedside. This article will cover the description, official details, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 31725?

CPT 31725 can be used to describe the procedure in which a healthcare provider removes excess secretions from the tracheobronchial tree using a suctioning catheter introduced with the assistance of a fiberscope. This code is specifically for bedside catheter aspiration.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 31725 is: ‘Catheter aspiration (separate procedure); tracheobronchial with fiberscope, bedside.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares the patient for the bedside procedure and administers anesthesia.
2. Using a fiberscope, the provider inserts it through the patient’s mouth and advances it to the tracheobronchial tree.
3. The provider examines the tracheobronchial airways for the presence of secretions using the eyepiece of the fiberscope.
4. A suction catheter is inserted with the assistance of the fiberscope and advanced to the bronchi.
5. The provider applies intermittent suction while rotating and withdrawing the catheter to remove secretions.
6. Once the procedure is complete, the provider discards the catheter along with the removed secretions and removes the fiberscope.
7. The patient’s vital signs are monitored post-procedure.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 31725 is performed when there is a need to remove excess secretions from the tracheobronchial tree. This procedure is typically done at the bedside. The patient must be appropriately prepped and anesthetized. The use of a fiberscope is necessary for visualization and guidance during the catheter aspiration.

5. When to use CPT code 31725

CPT code 31725 should be used when a healthcare provider performs catheter aspiration of the tracheobronchial tree using a fiberscope at the bedside. It is important to note that this code cannot be reported separately with a related procedure in the same anatomical region. Modifier 59 may be necessary if the procedure is performed with an unrelated procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 31725, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the catheter aspiration procedure
• Use of a fiberscope for visualization and guidance
• Date and time of the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the insertion and advancement of the fiberscope, suction catheter insertion, and removal of secretions
• Disposal of the catheter and secretions
• Monitoring of the patient’s vital signs post-procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 31725, ensure that the procedure is performed at the bedside using a fiberscope for catheter aspiration of the tracheobronchial tree. It is important to note that this code cannot be reported separately with a related procedure in the same anatomical region. Modifier 59 may be necessary if the procedure is performed with an unrelated procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 31725 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. In 2017, it was added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare.

9. Examples

1. A pulmonologist performing bedside catheter aspiration with a fiberscope for a patient with excessive secretions in the tracheobronchial tree.
2. An anesthesiologist assisting in the catheter aspiration procedure using a fiberscope for a patient who is unable to clear secretions effectively.
3. A critical care physician performing bedside catheter aspiration with a fiberscope for a patient with compromised airway clearance due to a respiratory infection.
4. A respiratory therapist assisting in the catheter aspiration procedure using a fiberscope for a patient with a chronic lung condition and excessive mucus production.
5. An intensivist performing bedside catheter aspiration with a fiberscope for a patient in the intensive care unit with a ventilator-associated pneumonia.
6. A thoracic surgeon performing bedside catheter aspiration with a fiberscope for a patient post-thoracic surgery with retained secretions in the tracheobronchial tree.
7. A nurse assisting in the catheter aspiration procedure using a fiberscope for a patient with a tracheostomy and difficulty clearing secretions.
8. An otolaryngologist performing bedside catheter aspiration with a fiberscope for a patient with a foreign body lodged in the tracheobronchial tree.
9. A respiratory therapist assisting in the catheter aspiration procedure using a fiberscope for a patient with a neuromuscular disorder and impaired cough reflex.
10. A pulmonologist performing bedside catheter aspiration with a fiberscope for a patient with a tracheobronchial infection and excessive purulent secretions.