How To Use CPT Code 31805

CPT 31805 describes the procedure for the surgical repair of a tracheal wound or injury within the chest cavity. 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 31805?

CPT 31805 can be used to describe the surgical repair of a tracheal wound or injury within the chest cavity. This code is used when the provider performs a procedure to close the tracheal wound using sutures. It is important to note that this procedure is performed within the thoracic region.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 31805 is: ‘Suture of tracheal wound or injury; intrathoracic.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider administers anesthesia to the patient and brings them into the operating room.
2. A bronchoscopy is performed using an endoscope to visualize and precisely locate the tracheal injury.
3. An incision is made into the pleural space of the chest to gain access to the thoracic region.
4. The provider identifies the tear in the trachea and removes any damaged tissue.
5. The edges of the tracheal wound are debrided to ensure a clean and healthy wound bed.
6. The provider then closes the tracheal wound using sutures, ensuring there is no air leak from the suture line.
7. The chest is closed, and a final bronchoscopy is performed to clear the airway of secretions and inspect the repair for integrity.
8. After completion of the bronchoscopy, the bronchoscope is slowly removed, and the patient is moved to the recovery room.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 31805 is performed on patients who have a tracheal wound or injury within the chest cavity that requires surgical repair. This procedure is typically performed by a provider in the thoracic region. It is important to note that this code specifically refers to intrathoracic tracheal wounds or injuries.

5. When to use CPT code 31805

CPT code 31805 should be used when a provider performs a surgical repair of a tracheal wound or injury within the chest cavity. It is important to ensure that the procedure is performed in the intrathoracic region. If the tracheal wound or injury is located outside of the chest cavity, a different CPT code should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 31805, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for surgical repair of the tracheal wound or injury
• Details of the procedure, including the use of bronchoscopy and the specific steps taken during the repair
• Date of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 31805, ensure that the procedure is performed within the intrathoracic region. It is important to follow the specific guidelines and documentation requirements for this code. Additionally, be aware of any specific billing rules or regulations set by insurance providers or government programs.

8. Historical information

CPT 31805 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. It was later added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare in 2017.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs a surgical repair of a tracheal wound within the chest cavity for a patient who suffered a traumatic injury.
2. A patient with a tracheal tear undergoes a surgical procedure to close the wound and ensure proper healing.
3. A provider performs a repair of a tracheal injury within the thoracic region for a patient with a chronic condition.
4. A surgical team performs a procedure to suture a tracheal wound in the intrathoracic area for a patient who experienced a medical complication.
5. A provider performs a surgical repair of a tracheal injury within the chest cavity for a patient with a congenital abnormality.
6. A patient undergoes a procedure to close a tracheal wound within the thoracic region after a surgical intervention.
7. A provider performs a surgical repair of a tracheal injury within the chest cavity for a patient with a history of respiratory problems.
8. A patient with a tracheal tear undergoes a surgical procedure to repair the injury and restore proper tracheal function.
9. A provider performs a repair of a tracheal wound within the thoracic region for a patient who experienced a traumatic event.
10. A surgical team performs a procedure to suture a tracheal injury in the intrathoracic area for a patient with a complex medical history.