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The procedure described by CPT® Code 31513 refers to an indirect laryngoscopy with vocal cord injection. This medical intervention is primarily aimed at addressing issues related to vocal fold atrophy or paralysis, conditions that can lead to a lack of bulk or mobility in the vocal cords. During the procedure, the patient is typically seated comfortably and instructed to extend their tongue. The physician utilizes a small round mirror positioned at the back of the throat, along with a head mirror to illuminate the area, allowing for a clear view of the vocal cords, tongue, and upper throat. In some cases, a rigid endoscope may be employed for enhanced visualization. The examination may involve the patient producing a high-pitched sound to facilitate better observation of the vocal cords. Following the assessment, a curved needle is carefully inserted through the mouth to deliver an injectable substance directly into the vocal fold, aimed at restoring its volume and function. The physician monitors the vocal cord's position during the injection, ensuring that it moves appropriately to make contact with the opposite vocal cord, which is essential for effective speech. The procedure may require additional injections to achieve the desired outcome, with the patient's vocal function being evaluated after each injection to assess the effectiveness of the treatment.
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The procedure indicated by CPT® Code 31513 is performed for specific conditions affecting the vocal cords. These include:
The procedure involves several key steps to ensure effective vocal cord injection:
After the completion of the vocal cord injection procedure, the patient may be monitored for any immediate reactions or complications. It is important to assess the effectiveness of the injection, which may involve evaluating the patient's ability to speak and the quality of their voice. Patients may be advised on post-procedure care, including voice rest and any restrictions on activities that could strain the vocal cords. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor the patient's progress and determine if further interventions are necessary to achieve the desired vocal function.
| Short Descr | INJECTION INTO VOCAL CORD | Medium Descr | LARYNGOSCOPY INDIRECT W/VOCAL CORD INJECTION | Long Descr | Laryngoscopy, indirect; with vocal cord injection | 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 | 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 | 41 - Other non-OR therapeutic procedures on respiratory system |
| 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). | 53 | Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) 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). | AG | Primary physician | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | 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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