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The procedure described by CPT® Code 31510 involves an indirect laryngoscopy with biopsy, which is a diagnostic examination of the larynx (voice box) and surrounding structures. During this procedure, the physician assesses the vocal cords, tongue, and the upper part of the throat for any abnormalities, such as signs of disease or injury. The patient is typically seated comfortably in a chair and is instructed to extend their tongue to facilitate the examination. The physician utilizes a small round mirror positioned at the back of the throat, along with a light source, to visualize the laryngeal area. In some cases, a rigid endoscope may be employed to enhance the visualization of the structures being examined. To improve the clarity of the vocal cords during the examination, the patient may be asked to produce a high-pitched 'eee' sound. The key aspect of this procedure is the biopsy component, where a tissue sample is collected from the examined area for further pathological analysis. This allows for the identification of any potential diseases or conditions affecting the larynx and surrounding tissues.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure indicated by CPT® Code 31510 is performed for various reasons related to the assessment of the larynx and surrounding structures. The following conditions may warrant an indirect laryngoscopy with biopsy:
The procedure for CPT® Code 31510 involves several key steps to ensure a thorough examination and biopsy of the laryngeal area:
After the completion of the indirect laryngoscopy with biopsy, the patient may be monitored for a short period to ensure there are no immediate complications. It is common for patients to experience mild throat discomfort or a sensation of fullness following the procedure. The physician will provide specific post-procedure care instructions, which may include recommendations for pain management and dietary modifications, such as avoiding spicy or hot foods. Additionally, the patient will be informed about the timeline for receiving biopsy results and any necessary follow-up appointments to discuss findings and further management options.
| Short Descr | LARYNGOSCOPY WITH BIOPSY | Medium Descr | LARYNGOSCOPY INDIRECT W/BIOPSY | Long Descr | Laryngoscopy, indirect; with biopsy | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 3 - Special payment adjustment rules for multiple endoscopic 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. | Endoscopic Base Code | 31505 Laryngoscopy, indirect; diagnostic (separate procedure) | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC | ASC Payment Indicator | Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P8H - Endoscopy - laryngoscopy | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 35 - Tracheoscopy and laryngoscopy with biopsy |
| 51 | Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 52 | Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use). | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) |
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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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