2025 CPT code 31648
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Respiratory System Surgery Feed
Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, with removal of bronchial valve(s), initial lobe.
Modifiers may be applicable.Commonly used modifiers include 22 (Increased Procedural Services), 52 (Reduced Services), 59 (Distinct Procedural Service), 73 (Discontinued Procedure prior to anesthesia), and 74 (Discontinued Procedure after anesthesia).
Medical necessity for this procedure must be established by documenting the underlying condition that necessitated the initial valve placement and the reason for its removal.
The physician inserts a rigid or flexible bronchoscope through the nose or mouth, locates the bronchial valve(s), and removes them using biopsy forceps.Anesthesia is administered prior to the procedure.
In simple words: The physician uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera (bronchoscope) to view the airways and remove one or more small valves that were previously placed in the lungs to help with breathing. This procedure is done for the first section of the lung treated.If valves are removed from other sections, an additional code is used.
Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, including fluoroscopic guidance, when performed; with removal of bronchial valve(s), initial lobe. (For removal and insertion of a bronchial valve at the same session, see 31647, 31648, and 31651).
Example 1: A patient with severe emphysema has a bronchial valve placed to improve lung function.Later, the valve needs to be removed due to complications., A patient with a persistent air leak in the lung after surgery has a bronchial valve placed. After the leak resolves, the valve is removed., A patient with atelectasis (collapsed lung) has a bronchial valve inserted to re-inflate the lung.Once the lung has re-inflated, the valve is removed using bronchoscopy.
Documentation should include the reason for the valve removal, the type and location of the valve(s) removed, the method of removal, and any complications encountered.
- Revenue Code: P8F
- Specialties:Pulmonary Medicine, Thoracic Surgery
- Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital - Inpatient, Hospital - Outpatient