Wiki Up sizing a trach tube

[candicane1010]

Is there a code for up sizing a trach tube from a 6 uncuffed to an 8 cuffed? Our CT surgeon performed the procedure during an inpatient stay, he did not place the original trach and it was an old trach, therefore the fistual track was already established so code 31502 is not appropriate.

thanks

 

[lisigirl]

Honestly, I think changing the trach is not a billable service and you are supposed to bill for the E/M visit performed that day instead. If the patient was actually brought to the OR for this and you really feel it warrants a charge greater than a subsequent hospital visit, you could bill for the bronchoscopy done at the same time (I assuming one was done at the same time).

That's my opinion without seeing the note anyway

Lisi, CPC