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Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Indirect Laryngoscopy With E/M

Published on Thu Mar 01, 2001

Question: May we bill separately for the use of a laryngeal mirror during a physical exam? Is 31505 ever correct and payable with an office visit?

Utah Subscriber

Answer: The laryngeal mirror, or indirect laryngoscopy, is considered an integral part of an otolaryngologic examination and should never be billed if an evaluation and management service is also performed, says Susan Callaway, CPC, CCS-P, an independent coding and reimbursement specialist and educator in North Augusta, S.C. Therefore, code 31505 (laryngoscopy, indirect; diagnostic [separate procedure]) can be billed only if it is the sole service provided to the patient during the visit.
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