2025 CPT code 31561
Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Respiratory System Surgery Feed
Direct operative laryngoscopy with arytenoidectomy, using an operating microscope or telescope.
Modifiers may be applicable to this code to indicate specific circumstances. Refer to current CPT guidelines for appropriate modifier usage.
Medical necessity for this procedure must be established through documentation demonstrating functional impairment caused by the arytenoid cartilage. This may include airway obstruction, dyspnea, vocal cord dysfunction, or other relevant conditions causing significant symptoms and impacting the patient's quality of life.
The physician is responsible for preparing and anesthetizing the patient, performing the direct laryngoscopy, identifying the arytenoid cartilage, removing the arytenoid, and closing the incision (if necessary).They may also widen the posterior glottis.
In simple words: The doctor uses a special instrument to look directly at your voice box and remove a small piece of cartilage called the arytenoid. This is done to help you breathe easier. They use a microscope or telescope to see clearly during the procedure.
This code describes a surgical procedure involving direct laryngoscopy, where an operating microscope or telescope is used to visualize the larynx and perform an arytenoidectomy (removal of the arytenoid cartilage). This is typically done to improve airflow through the airway.The procedure involves inserting a laryngoscope into the throat to view the laryngeal and hypopharyngeal structures, identifying the arytenoid cartilage, making an incision in the aryepiglottic fold, releasing soft tissues and muscles, and removing the arytenoid. The incision may be closed with sutures if needed.
Example 1: A patient with a large arytenoid granuloma causing significant airway obstruction undergoes direct laryngoscopy with arytenoidectomy using an operating microscope., A patient with bilateral vocal cord paralysis and dyspnea undergoes arytenoidectomy with the aid of a telescope during direct laryngoscopy to improve breathing., Following a failed trial of voice therapy, a patient with vocal cord dysfunction and dysphonia undergoes arytenoidectomy during a direct laryngoscopy visualized with an operating microscope.
Documentation should include details of the laryngoscopy, the condition necessitating arytenoidectomy (e.g., granuloma, vocal cord paralysis), the use of the operating microscope or telescope, the surgical technique employed, and any complications encountered. Pre- and post-operative diagnoses should also be documented.
** As of today, December 1, 2024, this information is current.However, medical coding and billing regulations are subject to change, so it's crucial to stay updated with the latest guidelines.For the most up-to-date information, refer to current CPT manuals and payer guidelines.
- Revenue Code: P8H
- RVU: 10.21 (as of 2013)
- Specialties:Otolaryngology (ENT)
- Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital- Inpatient, Hospital- Outpatient