How To Use CPT Code 31760

CPT 31760 describes a procedure known as tracheoplasty, which involves the repair of the intrathoracic trachea to treat patients with tracheal stenosis and other laryngotracheal disorders. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 31760?

CPT 31760 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure called tracheoplasty. This procedure involves the repair of the intrathoracic trachea, which is the part of the windpipe located in the posterior portion of the mediastinum. Tracheoplasty is performed to treat patients with tracheal stenosis, which is the abnormal narrowing of the windpipe. It is also used to address other laryngotracheal disorders. During the procedure, the provider makes incisions in the thoracic trachea horizontally and vertically, joining and suturing the segments to create a wider tracheal airway.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 31760 is: ‘Tracheoplasty; intrathoracic.’

3. Procedure

1. During the tracheoplasty procedure, the patient is placed under anesthesia and positioned in the supine position.
2. The provider makes a horizontal incision in the thoracic trachea.
3. A vertical cut is then made in the back of one segment of the trachea and in the front of the other segment.
4. The two segments are joined and sutured together to create a wider tracheal airway.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Tracheoplasty using CPT code 31760 is performed to treat patients with tracheal stenosis and other laryngotracheal disorders. The procedure is typically reserved for cases where conservative treatments have failed to provide relief or when the condition poses a significant risk to the patient’s health. The decision to perform tracheoplasty is made by the provider based on the patient’s specific condition and medical history.

5. When to use CPT code 31760

CPT code 31760 should be used when a provider performs tracheoplasty to repair the intrathoracic trachea. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the criteria outlined in the official description. If the procedure involves a different type of tracheal repair or a different location, a different CPT code should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 31760, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of tracheal stenosis or other laryngotracheal disorder
• Description of the procedure performed, including the specific segments of the trachea involved
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional details or complications encountered during the procedure
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 31760, it is important to ensure that the procedure performed meets the criteria outlined in the official description. The provider should also follow any additional guidelines provided by the payer or coding guidelines. It is important to accurately report the procedure to ensure proper reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT code 31760 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 patient with severe tracheal stenosis undergoes tracheoplasty to widen the tracheal airway and improve breathing.
2. A provider performs tracheoplasty on a patient with a laryngotracheal disorder to address a narrowing of the windpipe.
3. Tracheoplasty is performed on a patient with a history of tracheal stenosis to alleviate symptoms and improve overall respiratory function.
4. A patient with a congenital tracheal abnormality undergoes tracheoplasty to correct the structural issue and improve long-term respiratory health.
5. A provider performs tracheoplasty on a patient with a history of recurrent tracheal infections to address the underlying cause and prevent future complications.
6. Tracheoplasty is performed on a patient with tracheal stenosis resulting from previous trauma or injury to the windpipe.
7. A patient with a laryngotracheal disorder undergoes tracheoplasty to improve vocal function and overall quality of life.
8. A provider performs tracheoplasty on a patient with a history of chronic cough and difficulty breathing to address the underlying tracheal abnormality.
9. Tracheoplasty is performed on a patient with tracheal stenosis caused by a tumor or growth within the windpipe.
10. A patient with a history of tracheal scarring undergoes tracheoplasty to restore normal tracheal function and improve respiratory health.