How To Use CPT Code 31781

CPT 31781 describes the excision and repair procedure for tracheal stenosis and anastomosis in the cervicothoracic region. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 31781?

CPT 31781 is used to describe the excision and repair procedure for tracheal stenosis and anastomosis in the cervicothoracic region. This code is used when a healthcare provider removes a narrowing of the trachea in the neck and chest area and then joins the tracheal segments to repair the defect and restore the airway.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 31781 is: ‘Excision tracheal stenosis and anastomosis; cervicothoracic.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider makes an incision in the cervicothoracic region down to the trachea, being careful not to damage surrounding structures such as the thyroid gland, major neck vessels, or the recurrent laryngeal nerves.
2. The provider opens the tracheal lumen and examines the area with the stenosis, removing the narrowed portion.
3. The provider releases the larynx and part of the tracheal segment from the hyoid bone and mediastinum.
4. The two parts of the trachea are then joined together using sutures to create an anastomosis.
5. The provider ensures there is no bleeding and closes the incision by suturing the layers of tissue together.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 31781 is performed on patients with tracheal stenosis in the cervicothoracic region. The procedure is done to remove the narrowing and repair the defect to restore the airway. The healthcare provider must be careful not to damage surrounding structures during the procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 31781

CPT code 31781 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the excision and repair procedure for tracheal stenosis and anastomosis in the cervicothoracic region. It is important to accurately document the specific details of the procedure to support the use of this code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 31781, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of tracheal stenosis
• Details of the procedure, including the specific location of the stenosis and the steps taken to excise and repair the trachea
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Date of the procedure
• Signature of the healthcare provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 31781, ensure that the procedure is performed in the cervicothoracic region and involves the excision and repair of tracheal stenosis. It is important to accurately document the details of the procedure to support the billing. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 31781 with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 31781 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 tracheal stenosis undergoes an excision and repair procedure in the cervicothoracic region to restore the airway.
2. A healthcare provider performs an anastomosis to repair a defect in the trachea caused by stenosis in the cervicothoracic region.
3. During a surgical procedure, a narrowing of the trachea in the cervicothoracic region is excised and the tracheal segments are joined together to restore the airway.
4. A patient with tracheal stenosis undergoes a successful excision and repair procedure in the cervicothoracic region, improving their breathing.
5. A healthcare provider performs an excision and repair procedure on a patient with tracheal stenosis in the cervicothoracic region, ensuring the airway is restored.
6. During a surgical intervention, a narrowing of the trachea in the cervicothoracic region is removed, and the tracheal segments are joined together to repair the defect.
7. A patient with tracheal stenosis undergoes an excision and repair procedure in the cervicothoracic region, resulting in improved respiratory function.
8. A healthcare provider performs an anastomosis to repair a defect in the trachea caused by stenosis in the cervicothoracic region, restoring the airway.
9. During a surgical procedure, a narrowing of the trachea in the cervicothoracic region is excised, and the tracheal segments are joined together to restore the airway.
10. A patient with tracheal stenosis undergoes a successful excision and repair procedure in the cervicothoracic region, improving their ability to breathe.