2025 CPT code 31579
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Respiratory System Feed
Laryngoscopy, flexible or rigid telescopic, with stroboscopy.
Modifiers may be applicable to this code to indicate specific circumstances of the procedure, such as increased procedural services (22), multiple procedures (51), or distinct procedural service (59).
Medical necessity for 31579 is established by the presence of signs or symptoms related to voice or laryngeal disorders, such as hoarseness, voice changes, difficulty swallowing, or breathing problems. The procedure is necessary to evaluate the larynx and vocal folds and determine the cause of the symptoms.
The clinician prepares the patient and administers any necessary anesthesia (often topical).A flexible or rigid laryngoscope is inserted, typically through the mouth or nose, to visualize the larynx and hypopharynx. A stroboscopic light source is used to illuminate the vocal folds, allowing for observation of their vibration patterns. The exam is often recorded for later review and analysis. The findings are used for diagnosis and treatment planning.
In simple words: The doctor uses a small tube with a camera and a flashing light to look at your voice box (larynx). The flashing light makes it look like your vocal cords are moving in slow motion, which helps the doctor see how they're working and if there are any problems.
This code represents a laryngoscopy performed using either a flexible or rigid telescope, incorporating stroboscopy.Stroboscopy is a technique that uses a pulsating light synchronized with the vocal fold vibrations, creating a slow-motion image of the vocal cords to assess their movement and identify any abnormalities.The procedure allows for detailed examination of the larynx, including the vocal folds, and aids in the diagnosis of voice disorders.
Example 1: A patient presents with hoarseness and voice fatigue. A laryngoscopy with stroboscopy is performed to assess vocal fold mobility and identify any lesions or abnormalities that may be contributing to the symptoms., A singer experiences difficulty hitting high notes. A stroboscopic examination is performed to evaluate vocal fold closure and identify any potential issues affecting their vocal performance., Following vocal cord surgery, a patient undergoes a laryngoscopy with stroboscopy to monitor healing and assess the effectiveness of the surgical intervention.
Documentation should include details of the laryngoscopic findings, including the appearance and mobility of the vocal folds, any lesions or abnormalities observed, and the results of the stroboscopic examination. The type of laryngoscope used (flexible or rigid) should also be documented.The medical necessity for the procedure should be clearly justified based on the patient's presenting symptoms and clinical history.A recording of the examination is beneficial for further analysis.
- Specialties:Otolaryngology, Speech-Language Pathology
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center