How To Use CPT Code 31775

CPT 31775 describes a procedure known as bronchoplasty, which involves the excision of bronchial stenosis and the subsequent anastomosis of mucosal flaps to restore the airway. This article will provide an overview of CPT 31775, including its official description, the procedure itself, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 31775?

CPT 31775 is a code used to describe the bronchoplasty procedure, specifically the excision of bronchial stenosis and the subsequent anastomosis of mucosal flaps to restore the airway. This procedure is performed by a healthcare provider while the patient is under anesthesia and in the supine position. The provider makes an incision in the neck to access the trachea and pharynx, examines the stenosis, and removes the narrowed segment. Mucosal flaps are then created and sutured together to reconstruct the airway.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 31775 is: ‘Bronchoplasty; excision stenosis and anastomosis.’ This code is used to report the surgical procedure of removing bronchial stenosis and joining mucosal flaps to restore the airway.

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider begins by making an incision in the neck to access the trachea and pharynx.
2. Once the stenosis is identified, the provider carefully excises the narrowed segment.
3. Mucosal flaps are then created from the soft tissue lining the trachea and pharynx.
4. The provider sutures the mucosal flaps together, known as anastomosis, to reconstruct the airway.
5. Finally, the provider closes the muscles and skin to complete the procedure.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 31775 is performed on patients with bronchial stenosis, a condition characterized by the narrowing of the bronchial tubes. This procedure is typically reserved for cases where other treatment options have been exhausted or are not suitable. It is important to note that CPT 31775 should only be performed by a qualified healthcare provider with the necessary expertise and training in bronchoplasty.

5. When to use CPT code 31775

CPT code 31775 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the bronchoplasty procedure to excise bronchial stenosis and anastomose mucosal flaps to restore the airway. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. If the procedure does not involve the excision of stenosis and anastomosis of mucosal flaps, a different code should be used to accurately report the performed procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

When reporting CPT code 31775, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of bronchial stenosis
• Description of the excision of stenosis and anastomosis of mucosal flaps
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including any complications or additional steps taken
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 31775, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. Additionally, it is crucial to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by insurance companies or payers. It is also important to note that CPT code 31775 should not be reported with other codes that describe similar procedures or services, as this may result in billing errors or denials.

8. Historical information

CPT code 31775 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. Since its addition, there have been no updates or changes to the code.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs bronchoplasty on a patient with severe bronchial stenosis, excising the narrowed segment and anastomosing mucosal flaps to restore the airway.
2. During a bronchoplasty procedure, a surgeon removes the stenotic segment and sutures mucosal flaps together to reconstruct the airway of a patient with bronchial stenosis.
3. A patient with bronchial stenosis undergoes bronchoplasty, where the healthcare provider excises the narrowed segment and performs anastomosis of mucosal flaps to restore proper airflow.
4. Using CPT code 31775, a healthcare provider performs bronchoplasty on a patient with bronchial stenosis, successfully excising the stenotic segment and anastomosing mucosal flaps to improve respiratory function.
5. During a bronchoplasty procedure, a surgeon removes the narrowed segment and sutures mucosal flaps together to restore the airway of a patient with bronchial stenosis, accurately reporting the procedure using CPT code 31775.