2025 CPT code 31540
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Respiratory System Feed
Direct operative laryngoscopy with tumor excision and/or vocal cord/epiglottis stripping.
Modifiers such as 22 (Increased Procedural Services) or 53 (Discontinued Procedure) may be applicable in certain situations. Refer to current CPT guidelines for appropriate modifier usage.
Medical necessity must be established for this procedure. This typically includes documentation supporting the presence of a tumor, lesion or other abnormality requiring surgical intervention via laryngoscopy.
The physician prepares the patient, administers anesthesia, inserts the laryngoscope, visually identifies the abnormality, and performs the excision or stripping using appropriate surgical tools.The larynx is considered a central structure, so procedures in this area are not typically reported as bilateral.
In simple words: The doctor uses a small instrument to look inside your voice box and may remove a growth or outer layers of tissue from your vocal cords or epiglottis.
This procedure involves direct visualization of the larynx using a laryngoscope, along with the surgical removal of a tumor or stripping (removing the outer layers) of the vocal cords or epiglottis.
Example 1: A patient presents with a vocal cord tumor. Direct laryngoscopy is performed, and the tumor is excised., A patient with leukoplakia of the epiglottis undergoes direct laryngoscopy with stripping of the affected area., A patient has a papilloma on their vocal cords.A direct laryngoscopy is performed, and the papilloma is removed using laser ablation.
Documentation should include operative report detailing the laryngoscopy findings, the method of tumor removal or stripping, the location and size of the lesion, and any complications encountered. Pre- and post-operative diagnoses should also be documented.
** As of December 1st, 2024, this information is current.Always verify coding guidelines with the most up-to-date resources.
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC is not applicable to this code.
- Specialties:Otolaryngology
- Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital