2025 CPT code 31641
Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery > Surgical Procedures on the Respiratory System Feed
Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, including fluoroscopic guidance, when performed; with destruction of tumor or relief of stenosis by any method other than excision (e.g., laser therapy, cryotherapy).
Modifiers may be applicable. Refer to current CPT guidelines for appropriate modifier usage.
Medical necessity should be established by documenting the patient's symptoms, the impact of the tumor or stenosis on respiratory function, and the rationale for choosing a non-excisional method of treatment.
The physician performs the bronchoscopy, inserts the cryoprobe or laser probe, and destroys the tumor or relieves stenosis. They may also use fluoroscopic guidance.
In simple words: The doctor uses a thin, flexible tube (bronchoscope) or a rigid tube to look into your airways. They might use x-ray imaging to guide the tube.Then, they use a tool like a freezing probe or laser to destroy a tumor or open a narrowed area in your airway. This doesn't involve cutting anything out.
This procedure involves the use of a rigid or flexible bronchoscope to visualize the airways.Fluoroscopic guidance may be used. The physician utilizes a non-excisional method, such as a cryoprobe or laser probe, to destroy a tumor or relieve a stenosis (narrowing) within the airways. This code does not include excisional techniques.
Example 1: A patient with a malignant endobronchial tumor obstructing the airway undergoes bronchoscopy with laser therapy to debulk the tumor and improve breathing., A patient with tracheal stenosis following intubation undergoes bronchoscopy with cryotherapy to widen the narrowed area., A patient with a benign endobronchial tumor causing cough and hemoptysis undergoes bronchoscopy with cryotherapy to ablate the tumor.
Documentation should include the type of bronchoscope used (rigid or flexible), the method of tumor destruction or stenosis relief (laser, cryotherapy, etc.), the location and size of the lesion, the use of fluoroscopic guidance (if applicable), and the clinical indication for the procedure.
- RVU: 5.155 (Non-Facility in 2024), information may vary for facility. Refer to current fee schedules for updated values.
- Specialties:Pulmonary Medicine, Thoracic Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center