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Code deleted, use 31647-31649

Official Description

Airway sizing and insertion of bronchial valve(s), each lobe (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Airway sizing and insertion of bronchial valve(s) is a specialized procedure aimed at treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with emphysema. The bronchial valves are designed to restrict airflow to the affected areas of the lung while still permitting the exit of air and mucus. This mechanism encourages atelectasis, or the collapse of the diseased lung regions, which can lead to significant improvements in pulmonary function, exercise capacity, quality of life, and overall life expectancy for patients suffering from this condition. The procedure involves the sizing of the airway and the insertion of the valves, which is typically performed during a bronchoscopy—a procedure that allows for direct visualization of the airways. During the procedure, a sizing device is introduced over a guidewire into the segmental or subsegmental bronchus to obtain precise measurements. Following this, a properly sized, collapsed one-way valve is advanced over the guidewire, and its position is confirmed using a bronchoscope. Adjustments are made as necessary to ensure optimal placement before the valve is deployed. Each lobe of the lung that receives one or more valves is reported separately using CPT® Code 0250T, which is applicable for each lobe treated during the procedure.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure of airway sizing and insertion of bronchial valve(s) is indicated for patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) accompanied by emphysema. This condition is characterized by the destruction of the lung's air sacs, leading to difficulty in breathing and reduced airflow. The use of bronchial valves aims to alleviate symptoms and improve the overall quality of life for these patients by promoting atelectasis in the affected lung regions.

  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) A progressive lung disease that causes breathing difficulties due to airflow obstruction.
  • Emphysema A type of COPD where the air sacs in the lungs are damaged, leading to reduced oxygen exchange.

2. Procedure

The procedure for airway sizing and insertion of bronchial valve(s) involves several critical steps to ensure successful placement and functionality of the valves.

  • Step 1: Bronchoscopy Preparation The procedure begins with the patient undergoing bronchoscopy, which allows the physician to visualize the airways directly. This is essential for assessing the condition of the lungs and planning the valve insertion.
  • Step 2: Airway Sizing A sizing device is introduced over a guidewire into the segmental or subsegmental bronchus. This device is used to measure the airway dimensions accurately, ensuring that the correct size of the bronchial valve can be selected for insertion.
  • Step 3: Valve Insertion After the sizing device is removed, a properly sized, collapsed one-way valve is advanced over the guidewire into the designated bronchus. The physician uses the bronchoscope to check the position of the valve, making any necessary adjustments to ensure it is correctly placed.
  • Step 4: Deployment and Function Check Once the valve is in the proper position, it is deployed. The physician then checks the position and function of the valve to confirm that it is operating as intended.
  • Step 5: Additional Valves If required, additional bronchial valves may be placed in the same manner within the same lobe, with each valve insertion reported separately using CPT® Code 0250T.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care involves monitoring the patient for any immediate complications related to the bronchoscopy and valve insertion. Patients may experience some discomfort or mild respiratory symptoms following the procedure, which should be managed appropriately. Follow-up assessments are crucial to evaluate the effectiveness of the bronchial valves in improving lung function and overall patient well-being. Regular follow-up visits may be scheduled to monitor the patient's progress and to determine if additional interventions are necessary.

Short Descr INSERT BRONCHIAL VALVE
Medium Descr AIRWAY SIZING & INSERT BRONCHIAL VALVE EA LOBE
Long Descr Airway sizing and insertion of bronchial valve(s), each lobe (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Status Code Carriers Price the Code
Global Days YYY - Carrier Determines Whether Global Concept Applies
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Discontinued Code
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) none
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 41 - Other non-OR therapeutic procedures on respiratory system
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Deleted Code deleted, use 31647-31649
2011-01-01 Added Added
Code
Description
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