How To Use CPT Code 31800

CPT 31800 describes the procedure of suturing a wound or injury in the cervical trachea. 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 31800?

CPT 31800 involves the suturing of a wound or injury in the cervical trachea. This procedure is performed by a healthcare provider to close a wound in the portion of the trachea that extends from the lower part of the cricoid cartilage, located between the vocal cords, down to the top of the sternum to the edge of the second dorsal vertebra.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 31800 is: ‘Suture of tracheal wound or injury; cervical.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is prepared and draped and placed in the supine position.
2. The healthcare provider sutures the wound or injury in the cervical trachea closed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 31800 is performed when there is a wound or injury in the cervical trachea that requires suturing. This can be caused by a penetrating object or blunt trauma. The procedure is performed by a healthcare provider who is qualified to suture tracheal wounds.

5. When to use CPT code 31800

CPT code 31800 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the procedure of suturing a wound or injury in the cervical trachea. It is important to accurately document the need for this procedure and ensure that it is the appropriate code to report for the specific situation.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 31800, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Description of the wound or injury in the cervical trachea
• Date and time of the procedure
• Details of the procedure performed
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 31800, ensure that the procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare provider and that the documentation supports the need for the procedure. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer and accurately report the code on the claim form.

8. Historical information

CPT 31800 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code was later added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare in 2017.

9. Examples

1. A patient sustains a penetrating injury to the cervical trachea and requires suturing to close the wound.
2. A healthcare provider performs a procedure to repair an injury in the cervical trachea caused by blunt trauma.
3. A patient undergoes surgery, and during the procedure, a wound is identified in the cervical trachea that needs to be sutured.
4. An individual is involved in a car accident and experiences a tracheal injury that requires suturing in the cervical region.
5. A healthcare provider performs a procedure to close a wound in the cervical trachea following a surgical intervention.