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The CPT® Code 31632 refers to a bronchoscopy procedure, which can be performed using either a rigid or flexible bronchoscope. This procedure involves the insertion of the bronchoscope through the patient's nose or mouth, allowing access to the oropharynx, where an examination is conducted. The vocal cords are visualized during this process, and the bronchoscope is then advanced into the trachea for further examination. Following this, the bronchoscope is maneuvered into each mainstem bronchus, where any abnormalities can be identified and noted. In cases where a rigid bronchoscope is utilized, a telescope or flexible bronchoscope may be inserted through it to facilitate visualization of the distal segments of the mainstem bronchi. The procedure includes the use of specialized transbronchial biopsy forceps, which are passed through the bronchoscope to collect tissue samples from the outer regions of the lung. Importantly, this code is specifically used to report the collection of one or more tissue samples from each additional lobe of the lung, following the primary tissue sample(s) taken from the first lobe, which is reported separately. This detailed description underscores the complexity and precision involved in performing a bronchoscopy with transbronchial lung biopsy, highlighting its significance in diagnosing and managing pulmonary conditions.
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The procedure associated with CPT® Code 31632 is indicated for various clinical scenarios where lung tissue sampling is necessary. The following conditions may warrant the performance of this procedure:
The procedure for CPT® Code 31632 involves several key steps that ensure effective tissue sampling from the lungs. The following procedural steps are performed:
After the completion of the bronchoscopy and transbronchial lung biopsy, the patient is monitored for any immediate complications, such as bleeding or respiratory distress. Post-procedure care may include providing instructions for recovery, which typically involves rest and monitoring for any signs of complications. Patients may experience mild discomfort or a sore throat following the procedure, which usually resolves within a few days. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss biopsy results and any further management based on the findings.
| Short Descr | BRONCHOSCOPY/LUNG BX ADDL | Medium Descr | BRONCHOSCOPY W/TRANSBRONCHIAL LUNG BX EACH LOBE | Long Descr | Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, including fluoroscopic guidance, when performed; with transbronchial lung biopsy(s), each additional lobe (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | ZZZ - Code Related to Another Service | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates | ASC Payment Indicator | Packaged service/item; no separate payment made. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P8F - Endoscopy - bronchoscopy | MUE | 2 | CCS Clinical Classification | 37 - Diagnostic bronchoscopy and biopsy of bronchus |
This is an add-on code that must be used in conjunction with one of these primary codes.
| 31628 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC A2 CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, including fluoroscopic guidance, when performed; with transbronchial lung biopsy(s), single lobe |
| GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | 52 | Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use). | 22 | Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | 51 | Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 77 | Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | 78 | Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.) | 80 | Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s). | AG | Primary physician | CR | Catastrophe/disaster related | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | PD | Diagnostic or related non diagnostic item or service provided in a wholly owned or operated entity to a patient who is admitted as an inpatient within 3 days | Q1 | Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study | Q6 | Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | SG | Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service | X3 | Episodic/broad services: for reporting services by clinicians who have broad responsibility for the comprehensive needs of the patient that is limited to a defined period and circumstance such as a hospitalization; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to the hospitalist's services rendered providing comprehensive and general care to a patient while admitted to the hospital | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
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| 2017-01-01 | Changed | Moderate (Conscious) Sedation flag removed. See new Moderate Sedation category. |
| 2016-01-01 | Changed | Moderate (Conscious) Sedation flag added |
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 2010-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| 2004-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2004. |
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