Pulmonology Coding Alert

Examine your place of service before submitting 31899 and A4629.Coding a tracheostomy tube change? Avoid these 5 pitfalls to create picture perfect claims that will get your pulmonologist paid -- the first time around.Background: Patients find themselves needing regular trach tube changes, particularly after the opening has formed a defined tract (in about 10 days). But sometimes, pulmonologists have to change the trach tube even before the fistula tract is established.Do you know what to do? Read on to find out.Pitfall 1: You Code 31502 Too SoonIf you're lacking a specific code defined for changing a tracheostomy tube, then you may think 31502 (Tracheotomy tube change prior to establishment of fistula tract) is the most viable option. The truth is you should not use this code for a routine tracheostomy tube change."This procedure (31502) is performed usually a few days within placement of the original tube," adds Charlyne Hill, CPC, of [...]