Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Question: What code should I report for laryngoscopic laser cordotomy?

Ohio Subscriber Answer: Depending on whether the otolaryngologist uses a microscope, you should assign 31540 (Laryngoscopy, direct, operative, with excision of tumor and/or stripping of vocal cords or epiglottis) or 31541 (... with operating microscope). In a laryngoscopic laser cordotomy, the surgeon removes a tumor and a portion of the patient's underlying vocal cords with a laser. When the otolaryngologist uses a direct laryngoscope to perform the procedure, you should assign 31540. Report laryngoscopic laser cordotomy requiring an operating microscope with 31541.