2025 CPT code 31573

Laryngoscopy, flexible; with therapeutic injection(s) (e.g., chemodenervation agent or corticosteroid), unilateral.

For endoscopic procedures, report the appropriate endoscopy code for each anatomic site examined. If using an operating microscope or telescope, use the applicable code only once per operative session.When performing injection laryngoplasty for augmentation, use code 31574.

Modifiers may be applicable to indicate specific circumstances, such as increased procedural services (22), bilateral procedures (50, if applicable), or distinct procedural services (59).

Medical necessity must be established by documenting the patient's symptoms and diagnosis, and how the injection is expected to improve their condition. This may include voice assessments, laryngeal imaging, and other relevant clinical findings.

The physician prepares the patient, administers anesthesia, inserts the flexible laryngoscope, typically through the nose, and visualizes the larynx and hypopharynx. The injection is then administered, and the larynx is re-examined before withdrawing the scope.

In simple words: The doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light (laryngoscope) to look at your voice box (larynx). They then inject medicine, like Botox or a steroid, into one side of your larynx to treat problems like muscle spasms or swelling.

This code describes a procedure where a flexible laryngoscope is used to visualize the larynx and inject a therapeutic agent, such as a chemodenervation agent (e.g., botulinum toxin) or a corticosteroid, on one side of the larynx. The injection may be performed percutaneously, transorally, or through the endoscope channel.

Example 1: A patient with spasmodic dysphonia receives a unilateral injection of botulinum toxin to treat vocal cord spasms., A patient with unilateral vocal cord paralysis receives a corticosteroid injection to reduce inflammation and improve voice quality., A patient with unilateral laryngeal stenosis receives a corticosteroid injection to reduce swelling.

Documentation should include the reason for the procedure (diagnosis), the type of therapeutic agent injected, the location of the injection (side, specific structure), the method of injection (percutaneous, transoral, endoscopic), and any complications.

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