Wiki Trach change - code 31502

[ryanrickycassieangie]

I am looking for some clarification regarding trach change. I found some literature that states that you can only bill the 31502 code if the trach change occurs before the tract is fully established which is usually after about 7 days. If the trach change is performed after the fistula tract has been established, the trach change is part of the E/M and isn't billed separately. Our doctor thought that we were allowed to bill the 31502 for the first trach change period. Does anyone have any info on this that can help me? Thank you in advance for your help!
Sherry

 

[paigehaase]

Trach change

31502 is prior to est. of fistual tract, which is not necessarily the case for a first time change. If this is first time and fistula tract is not established, provider should detail this in note and use 31502. Otherwise it would be an E/M code.