How To Use CPT Code 31785

CPT 31785 describes the excision of a cervical tracheal tumor or carcinoma. 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 31785?

CPT 31785 is used to describe the excision of a cervical tracheal tumor or carcinoma. This procedure involves the removal of the tumor and margins from the cervical trachea, followed by repair of the defect. It is typically performed when a patient is diagnosed with a neoplasm in the cervical trachea, which may cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing. Radiology tests and pathology tests are used to confirm the presence of the tumor and determine if it is malignant or benign. Bronchoscopy may also be used to establish a diagnosis and assess the extent of the lesion in the cervical trachea.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 31785 is: ‘Excision of tracheal tumor or carcinoma; cervical.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is diagnosed with a neoplasm in the cervical trachea, which may cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing.
2. Radiology tests and pathology tests are performed to confirm the presence of the tumor and determine if it is malignant or benign.
3. Bronchoscopy may be used to establish a diagnosis and assess the extent of the lesion in the cervical trachea.
4. The patient is placed under anesthesia and positioned in the supine position.
5. The provider makes an incision in the cervical trachea and excises the tumor and margins.
6. The defect in the cervical trachea is repaired.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 31785 is performed when a patient is diagnosed with a neoplasm in the cervical trachea. The procedure is typically indicated when the neoplasm causes symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing. Radiology tests and pathology tests are used to confirm the presence of the tumor and determine if it is malignant or benign. Bronchoscopy may also be used to establish a diagnosis and assess the extent of the lesion in the cervical trachea.

5. When to use CPT code 31785

CPT code 31785 should be used when a provider performs the excision of a cervical tracheal tumor or carcinoma. It is appropriate to use this code when the procedure is performed to remove a neoplasm in the cervical trachea and repair the defect. However, it is important to review the documentation and ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 31785, the provider must document the following information:

• Diagnosis of a neoplasm in the cervical trachea
• Confirmation of the tumor’s presence and determination of its malignancy or benignity through radiology and pathology tests
• Use of bronchoscopy, if applicable, to establish a diagnosis and assess the extent of the lesion
• Details of the excision procedure, including the incision in the cervical trachea and removal of the tumor and margins
• Description of the repair performed to address the defect in the cervical trachea

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 31785, ensure that the procedure performed is the excision of a cervical tracheal tumor or carcinoma. Review the documentation to ensure that it meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. It is important to follow the appropriate coding guidelines and modifiers, if applicable, to accurately report the procedure. Additionally, consider any relevant payer-specific guidelines or requirements for reporting CPT code 31785.

8. Historical information

CPT code 31785 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient is diagnosed with a malignant neoplasm in the cervical trachea. The provider performs an excision of the tumor and margins from the cervical trachea, followed by repair of the defect.
2. A patient presents with symptoms of shortness of breath and wheezing. Radiology tests confirm the presence of a benign neoplasm in the cervical trachea. The provider performs an excision of the tumor and margins, and repairs the defect in the cervical trachea.
3. A patient undergoes bronchoscopy, which reveals a malignant neoplasm in the cervical trachea. The provider performs an excision of the tumor and margins, and repairs the defect in the cervical trachea.
4. A patient is diagnosed with a neoplasm in the cervical trachea. The provider performs an excision of the tumor and margins, and repairs the defect in the cervical trachea. Pathology tests confirm the tumor to be benign.
5. A patient presents with coughing and wheezing. Radiology tests reveal a malignant neoplasm in the cervical trachea. The provider performs an excision of the tumor and margins, and repairs the defect in the cervical trachea.