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The procedure described by CPT® Code 31637 involves the use of a bronchoscope, which can be either rigid or flexible, to perform a detailed examination and intervention within the airways. The bronchoscope is inserted through the patient's nose or mouth and navigated into the oropharynx, allowing for a thorough visual assessment of the vocal cords and the trachea. This examination is crucial for identifying any abnormalities within the airways. The bronchoscope is then advanced into each mainstem bronchus, where further evaluation occurs. In cases where there is an obstruction or stenosis, the procedure may involve the use of a balloon catheter to dilate the affected area before the placement of a bronchial stent. This stent is designed to maintain airway patency by being positioned within the obstructed or narrowed lumen. The use of fluoroscopic guidance during this procedure enhances the accuracy of stent placement. It is important to note that CPT® Code 31637 is specifically used to report each additional major bronchus that is stented, in addition to the primary procedure code for bronchoscopy.
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The procedure associated with CPT® Code 31637 is indicated for various conditions that may lead to airway obstruction or stenosis. These indications include:
The procedure for CPT® Code 31637 involves several critical steps to ensure effective stent placement within the bronchial passages. The process begins with the insertion of a bronchoscope, which can be either rigid or flexible, through the patient's nose or mouth. This initial step allows the clinician to navigate the bronchoscope into the oropharynx, where a visual examination of the vocal cords is conducted. Following this, the bronchoscope is advanced into the trachea, allowing for a thorough assessment of the airway structure. The clinician then proceeds to examine each mainstem bronchus, identifying any abnormalities that may be present.
If an obstruction or stenosis is detected, the next step involves the use of a balloon catheter. This catheter is carefully advanced to the site of the obstruction, where it is inflated multiple times to dilate the narrowed area, thereby facilitating better airflow. Once the lumen is adequately opened, a stent delivery catheter or an alternative stent delivery device is introduced through the bronchoscope. The clinician then positions a bronchial stent within the obstructed or stenosed lumen, effectively opening the airway and ensuring that it remains patent. It is important to note that CPT® Code 31637 is utilized for each additional major bronchus that is stented, in conjunction with the primary bronchoscopy procedure code.
After the completion of the bronchoscopy and stent placement, patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications or adverse reactions. Post-procedure care may include observation for respiratory distress, bleeding, or infection. Patients may also be advised on follow-up appointments to assess the effectiveness of the stent and to monitor for any recurrence of obstruction. It is essential for healthcare providers to provide clear instructions regarding signs and symptoms that should prompt immediate medical attention, ensuring patient safety and optimal recovery.
| Short Descr | BRONCHOSCOPY STENT ADD-ON | Medium Descr | BRONCHOSCOPY EACH MAJOR BRONCHUS STENTED | Long Descr | Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, including fluoroscopic guidance, when performed; each additional major bronchus stented (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) | P1G - Major procedure - Other | MUE | 2 | CCS Clinical Classification | 42 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on respiratory system |
This is an add-on code that must be used in conjunction with one of these primary codes.
| 31636 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC J8 CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, including fluoroscopic guidance, when performed; with placement of bronchial stent(s) (includes tracheal/bronchial dilation as required), initial bronchus |
| GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | 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). | 53 | Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) 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). | 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. | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | Q1 | Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure |
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| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 2010-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| 2005-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2005. |
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