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The procedure described by CPT® Code 31511 involves an indirect laryngoscopy with the specific purpose of removing a foreign body from the throat. During this procedure, the physician conducts a diagnostic examination of the larynx, which is the area of the throat that houses the vocal cords. The patient is typically seated comfortably in a chair and is instructed to extend their tongue outward. This positioning allows the physician to gain better access to the throat. To visualize the larynx, the physician uses a small round mirror placed at the back of the throat, along with a light source to illuminate the area. Additionally, the physician may utilize a head mirror that reflects light into the throat, enhancing visibility. In some cases, a rigid endoscope may be employed as an alternative to the mirror technique, providing a more direct view of the laryngeal structures. The examination focuses on the vocal cords, tongue, and the upper part of the throat, where the physician looks for any signs of disease or injury. To facilitate a clearer view of the vocal cords, the patient may be asked to produce a high-pitched 'eee' sound during the examination. This procedure is distinct from other related laryngoscopic procedures, such as those involving biopsy or lesion removal, as it specifically targets the extraction of foreign bodies that may be obstructing the airway or causing discomfort.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure indicated by CPT® Code 31511 is performed in specific clinical situations where a foreign body is suspected to be lodged in the throat or laryngeal area. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:
The procedure for CPT® Code 31511 involves several key steps to ensure the safe and effective removal of a foreign body from the larynx. The following outlines the procedural steps:
Following the completion of the procedure, the patient may be monitored for any immediate complications, such as bleeding or difficulty breathing. The physician will provide instructions regarding any necessary follow-up care, which may include observing for signs of infection or further complications. Patients are typically advised to avoid irritants such as smoke or strong odors for a period following the procedure. Additionally, if the foreign body removal was due to aspiration, the patient may be evaluated for any potential respiratory issues that could arise as a result of the incident.
| Short Descr | REMOVE FOREIGN BODY LARYNX | Medium Descr | LARYNGOSCOPY INDIRECT W/REMOVAL FOREIGN BODY | Long Descr | Laryngoscopy, indirect; with removal of foreign body | 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) | 1 - Statutory 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 | Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies | 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 | 229 - Nonoperative removal of foreign body |
| 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). | 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. | 78 | Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.) | 79 | Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.) | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition |
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| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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