Advanced Search

ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

Reader Questions:

Payers Consider Plug Removal Part of Intubation

Published on Sat Feb 17, 2007

Question: The ED physician is trying to intubate a patient but fails due to a mucous plug interfering with the endotracheal tube. The physician removes the plug with forceps. Can I report the plug removal separately? Illinois Subscriber Answer: You should not report the plug removal separately. Report 31500 (Intubation, endotracheal, emergency procedure) for the service. Exception: If the mucous plug removal greatly extended the encounter time and the amount of physician work, you may be able to attach modifier 22 (Unusual procedural services) to 31500. However, be sure you know your insurer's coding rules before you report modifier 22.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

View All