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The procedure described by CPT® Code 31717 involves catheterization with a bronchial brush biopsy, a technique utilized to collect cellular samples from the bronchi for diagnostic purposes. In this procedure, a physician employs a catheter, which is a thin, flexible tube, to access the bronchi, the major air passages that diverge from the trachea and lead into the lungs. Prior to the procedure, a local anesthetic is administered by spraying it in the back of the throat to minimize discomfort during the insertion of the catheter. The catheter is carefully advanced through the nasal or oral passage, progressing through the throat and into the trachea, which is the windpipe that connects the throat to the lungs. Once the catheter reaches the bronchi, it features a brush that is specifically designed to collect tissue samples. The brushing technique involves gently scraping the lining of the bronchi to obtain cell samples, which are crucial for evaluating potential abnormalities or diseases within the respiratory system. After the biopsy is completed, the catheter is withdrawn, and the collected cell samples are sent to a laboratory for cytology evaluation, which is a separate reportable service that assesses the cellular characteristics of the samples for diagnostic insights.
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The procedure of catheterization with bronchial brush biopsy is indicated for various clinical scenarios where there is a need to obtain cellular samples from the bronchi. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:
The catheterization with bronchial brush biopsy involves several key procedural steps that ensure the effective collection of cellular samples. The following steps outline the process:
Following the bronchial brush biopsy, patients may experience some mild discomfort or a sore throat due to the procedure. It is important for healthcare providers to monitor the patient for any immediate complications, such as bleeding or difficulty breathing. Patients are typically advised to rest and may be instructed to avoid strenuous activities for a short period. Additionally, they should be informed about potential symptoms to watch for, such as persistent cough, fever, or increased respiratory distress, which may require further medical evaluation. The results of the cytology evaluation will be communicated to the patient and their healthcare provider, guiding any necessary follow-up care or treatment based on the findings.
| Short Descr | BRONCHIAL BRUSH BIOPSY | Medium Descr | CATHETERIZATION W/BRONCHIAL BRUSH BIOPSY | Long Descr | Catheterization with bronchial brush biopsy | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard 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 | Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies | ASC Payment Indicator | Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P5E - Ambulatory procedures - other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 37 - Diagnostic bronchoscopy and biopsy of bronchus |
| 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). | 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. | 79 | Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.) | 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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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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