2025 CPT code 31572
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Endoscopy Procedures on the Larynx Surgery Feed
Laryngoscopy, flexible; with ablation or destruction of lesion(s) with laser, unilateral.
Modifiers 50 (bilateral procedure), 51 (multiple procedures), 52 (reduced services), 59 (distinct procedural service) and others may be applicable depending on the specifics of the case.
Medical necessity for 31572 is established when a patient presents with laryngeal lesions causing symptoms like hoarseness, dysphagia, or airway compromise.The procedure is medically necessary to diagnose, treat, or prevent further complications from the lesion(s).Justification should include clinical findings supporting the diagnosis and demonstrating the need for laser ablation as the appropriate treatment.
The physician's responsibilities include patient preparation, anesthesia administration (if applicable), insertion and manipulation of the flexible laryngoscope, visualization of the larynx and hypopharynx, precise laser ablation of the lesion(s), assessment of the ablation site and surrounding tissues, and removal of the laryngoscope. Post-procedure care instructions are also included in the physician's responsibility.
In simple words: The doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera to look inside the voice box. If they find any abnormal growths on one side, they use a laser to remove them.
This CPT code encompasses flexible laryngoscopy utilizing a fiberoptic laryngoscope to visualize the larynx and hypopharynx, including the vocal folds.The procedure involves the ablation or destruction of unilateral lesions using a laser.Preoperative preparation and anesthesia are assumed.The procedure includes insertion of the laryngoscope (typically through the nose), visualization of relevant structures, laser ablation of the lesion(s), post-ablation examination, and scope withdrawal.
Example 1: A 55-year-old male presents with hoarseness and a visible lesion on his left vocal cord.Flexible laryngoscopy with laser ablation of the lesion is performed to address the vocal cord abnormality and improve his voice., A 60-year-old female with a history of smoking presents with a suspicious lesion in her right pyriform sinus. Flexible laryngoscopy with laser ablation is performed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes., A 70-year-old male presents with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and a lesion identified on the left arytenoid during flexible laryngoscopy.Laser ablation is performed to facilitate swallowing and prevent potential airway compromise.
Preoperative evaluation notes including patient history, physical examination findings, and imaging studies (if any).Operative report detailing the procedure, including the type of laser used, location and size of lesion(s), and details of the ablation. Postoperative assessment and follow-up plan. Any pathology reports obtained if tissue was biopsied.Consent form. Anesthesia records.
** This procedure is typically performed under local or general anesthesia.The choice of anesthesia will be determined by patient factors and clinical judgment.
- Revenue Code: P8H
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.
- Specialties:Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital (Inpatient or Outpatient)