Pulmonology Coding Alert
Reader Questions:
Fiberscope Is Key Component of 31725
Published on Mon Aug 27, 2007
Question: Code manager describes 31725 as "therapeutic aspiration of the trachea or bronchial tree with a catheter." Should I use this code for suctioning the airway such as via endotracheal tube (ETT) or tracheotomy tube or for nasotracheal (NT) suctioning? Florida Subscriber Answer: No. CPT limits 31725 (Catheter aspiration [separate procedure]; tracheobronchial with fiberscope, bedside) to a fiberoptic bronchoscope. Use the code for catheter aspiration of the tracheobronchial tree at bedside. For aspiration through the nasotracheal area, use 31720 (Catheter aspiration [separate procedure]; nasotracheal).
Other Articles in this issue of
Pulmonology Coding Alert
- Get the Lowdown on the Elimination of Albuterol, Levalbuterol J Codes
You can still get paid for noncompounded solutions, but you'll need to switch to Q [...] - Beware:
Private Payers May Still Accept J7611-J7614
Clip and save your inhalation solution coding guide You can get paid for albuterol and [...] - Share the E/M Work, Enjoy Full E/M Payment
Physician must see the patient if there's a new problem Judiciously using shared visits can [...] - You Be the Coder:
Post-Transplant Condition
Question: How should I code the following chart note: History: The patient is a 42-year-old [...] - Make Shared Visits Work for Your Practice
You can financially benefit from NPPs in the hospital You can use Medicare's shared-visit provision [...] - Reader Questions:
Fiberscope Is Key Component of 31725
Question: Code manager describes 31725 as "therapeutic aspiration of the trachea or bronchial tree with [...] - Reader Questions:
Classify Pulm Rehab as E/M Service
Question: Our critical access hospital would like to set up a pulmonary rehab program. What [...] - Reader Questions:
How to Audit Sleep Behavior Charts
Question: I want to audit our new sleep behavioral psychologist charts. How different is auditing [...] - Reader Questions:
Biopsy and Brushing: 1 Code or 2?
Question: The patient is a 74-year-old man with a history of heavy smoking, with bilateral [...] - Reader Questions:
Look for This Critical Care Criteria
Question: When a pulmonologist provides care to a critically ill patient, can I always use [...]
View All
