Wiki bronchoscopy-Can you code

[lmbroomall]

Can you code +31633 more then once? if a bx is done in Rt lower lobe, rt middle lobe and lt upper lobe is the correct coding 31629 and 31633x2?
also if brushings and lavage are done in the same lobe can you code both brushings and lavage?

 

[kvangoor]

Yes, I believe you can code 31633 more than once. The way you have it listed in your post looks correct. I also believe you can code brushings and lavage in both lobes. Of course these would be subject to the multiple procedures reduction and a 51 modifier would be appropriate.

 

[lisigirl]

I agree, you can code 31633 multiple times. The descriptor states "...each additional lobe." As for the brushings and lavage, I would bill both as well however, payment will be reduced per "endoscopic payment rules" rather than the multiple procedure deductions. The value of the base code (in this case 31622) will be subtracted from 31623 and 31624 and whatever is left will be paid (if anything).

Lisi, CPC
eharkler@nmh.org