Wiki Billing 31575 with 60240

[tlivengo]

Hi,

Every time my doctors do a thyroidectomy (60240) they do a flexible laryngoscopy (31575) at the end of the procedure to assess the patient's vocal cord function. I always wonder if I should bill the 31575, or not bill it considering it as a "scout" procedure, meaning just a confirmation of adequacy of the surgical procedure and therefore non-billable. Any opinions on this?

Thank you.
Teresa

 

[Candice_Fenildo]

Teresa, I have not heard of this. very interesting, but seeing that they are truly performing 31575 for there own reassurance of vocal cord function and not for any other medical problem, I would not bill this out seperately. there are also LCD's in place for 31575