2025 CPT code 31526
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Endoscopy Procedures on the Larynx Surgery Feed
Direct laryngoscopy, with or without tracheoscopy; diagnostic, using an operating microscope or telescope.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure.Consult the CPT manual and local payer guidelines for specific modifier rules.
Medical necessity for direct laryngoscopy is established by the presence of symptoms or signs suggesting pathology within the larynx or hypopharynx (e.g., hoarseness, dysphagia, hemoptysis, foreign body sensation). Tracheoscopy is medically necessary when there is suspicion of tracheal involvement.
The physician prepares the patient, inserts the laryngoscope, and examines the laryngeal and hypopharyngeal structures. The use of an operating microscope or telescope to improve visualization is at the physician's discretion. Tracheoscopy, if performed, is also under the physician's responsibility.
In simple words: The doctor uses a special tool to look inside your voice box (larynx) and the area below it to check for problems.A magnifying device (microscope or telescope) may be used to see better.If needed, the doctor may also look inside your windpipe (trachea).
This CPT code represents a diagnostic procedure involving direct visualization of the larynx and hypopharynx using a laryngoscope.An operating microscope or telescope may be utilized to enhance visualization of difficult areas or hidden pathologies.Tracheoscopy may be performed if clinically indicated to examine the trachea. The procedure involves preparing the patient, inserting the laryngoscope, and examining the laryngeal and hypopharyngeal structures.All paired structures on one side of the larynx/pharynx are considered unilateral for reporting therapeutic interventions. The use of the operating microscope or telescope is reported only once per operative session.
Example 1: A patient presents with hoarseness and a suspected vocal cord lesion.A direct laryngoscopy with operating microscope is performed to visualize the larynx and vocal cords, confirming the presence of a polyp., A patient sustains a laryngeal injury in a motor vehicle accident. A direct laryngoscopy with tracheoscopy is performed to assess the extent of the injury and rule out tracheal involvement., A patient with a history of smoking experiences a sudden onset of dyspnea (shortness of breath).A direct laryngoscopy with telescope is performed to rule out a foreign body or laryngeal obstruction.
* Detailed history and physical examination findings.* Indication for the procedure (e.g., hoarseness, dyspnea, trauma).* Description of the instruments used (laryngoscope, operating microscope/telescope).* Documentation of the structures examined.* Findings of the examination (e.g., presence or absence of lesions, foreign bodies).* Procedure notes must clearly document whether tracheoscopy was performed.
** This code is for diagnostic purposes only.Separate codes are required for therapeutic procedures performed during the laryngoscopy.
- Revenue Code: P8H (ENDOSCOPY - LARYNGOSCOPY)
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.
- Specialties:Otolaryngology, Respiratory Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital (Inpatient and Outpatient)