2025 CPT code 31512
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Endoscopy Procedures on the Larynx Surgery Feed
Indirect laryngoscopy with removal of lesion.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the specific circumstances of the procedure. Consult the CPT codebook and payer guidelines for specific modifier rules.
Medical necessity is established when the lesion is causing symptoms that impact the patient's breathing, swallowing, or voice. The removal of the lesion is necessary to alleviate those symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life.
The physician prepares the patient, administers anesthesia (if necessary), inserts a laryngeal mirror to visualize the larynx and hypopharynx, identifies the lesion, and removes it using appropriate instruments.
In simple words: The doctor uses a mirror to look inside your voice box to find and remove any abnormal tissue.
Indirect laryngoscopy involves using a laryngeal mirror to visualize the larynx (voice box), hypopharyngeal structures, and vocal folds.This procedure is followed by the removal of a lesion (damaged tissue) within the larynx using forceps or other instruments. The procedure requires patient preparation and anesthesia.
Example 1: A patient presents with a vocal cord polyp.Indirect laryngoscopy is performed to visualize the polyp, and it is then removed using forceps., A patient complains of a persistent cough and hoarseness. Indirect laryngoscopy reveals a small lesion on the vocal cord, which is removed using micro-instruments., A patient experiences difficulty swallowing and breathing.Indirect laryngoscopy identifies a lesion obstructing the airway; the lesion is removed to improve breathing and swallowing.
* Detailed history and physical examination documenting the patient's symptoms.* Documentation of the type of anesthesia used (if any).* Description of the lesion (size, location, appearance).* Detailed description of the procedure performed, including instruments used.* Pathology report (if tissue was sent for analysis).* Post-operative instructions given to the patient.
** This procedure is typically performed under local or general anesthesia. The choice of anesthesia depends on the patient's condition and the complexity of the procedure.Imaging (e.g., before and after photos) may be used to document the findings.Consider using additional codes to document the use of an operating microscope or telescope.
- Revenue Code: P8H (Endoscopy - Laryngoscopy)
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Otolaryngology
- Place of Service:Office, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital