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The procedure described by CPT® Code 31572 involves a flexible laryngoscopy combined with the use of laser technology to ablate or destroy lesions located unilaterally in the larynx or vocal cords. This procedure is particularly relevant for addressing various types of lesions, such as granulomas and polyps, which can affect vocal function and overall laryngeal health. The use of a flexible laryngoscope allows for enhanced visualization and access to the laryngeal area, facilitating precise treatment of the lesions. Prior to the procedure, a topical anesthetic is applied to the nasal cavity, palate, and posterior pharynx to minimize discomfort during the examination and treatment. The flexible laryngoscope is then introduced through the nasal passage, and additional anesthetic is administered to ensure adequate numbing of the base of the tongue and larynx. Once the anesthetic has taken effect, the laryngoscope is reinserted, allowing the physician to visualize the lesions directly. The laser fiber, which is advanced through the working channel of the laryngoscope, delivers targeted ablative energy to the lesions, effectively destroying them. After the procedure, both the laser and the laryngoscope are carefully removed, concluding the treatment process.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 31572 is indicated for the treatment of specific lesions in the larynx or vocal cords. These indications include:
The procedure for CPT® Code 31572 involves several key steps that ensure effective treatment of the lesions. The first step is the application of a topical anesthetic, which is instilled into the nasal cavity and onto the palate and posterior pharynx. This is crucial for minimizing discomfort during the procedure. Following this, a flexible laryngoscope is introduced through the nose, allowing for visualization of the larynx. During this initial insertion, additional topical anesthetic is dripped onto the base of the tongue and the larynx using fiberoptic guidance to ensure that the area is adequately numbed.
Once the anesthetic has taken effect, the flexible laryngoscope with a working channel is reinserted through the nose and advanced into the pharynx until the larynx and the lesions are clearly visualized. This step is essential for the physician to accurately assess the lesions that require treatment. After confirming the location and condition of the lesions, the laser fiber is advanced through the working channel of the laryngoscope. The physician then delivers ablative energy to the lesions, effectively destroying them. This targeted approach allows for precise treatment while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Finally, once the lesions have been adequately ablated, both the laser and the laryngoscope are carefully removed from the patient's airway, completing the procedure.
After the completion of the procedure, patients may experience some temporary discomfort or swelling in the throat area. It is important for healthcare providers to monitor the patient for any immediate post-procedural complications. Patients are typically advised to rest their voices and avoid irritants such as smoke or strong odors for a specified period to promote healing. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess the healing process and to determine if any further treatment is necessary. Additionally, patients should be informed about signs of potential complications, such as increased pain, difficulty breathing, or unusual bleeding, and instructed to seek medical attention if these occur.
| Short Descr | LARGSC W/LASER DSTRJ LES | Medium Descr | LARYNGOSCOPY FLEXIBLE ABLATJ DESTJ LESION(S) UNI | Long Descr | Laryngoscopy, flexible; with ablation or destruction of lesion(s) with laser, unilateral | 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) | 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies. | 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 | 31575 Laryngoscopy, flexible; diagnostic | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC | ASC Payment Indicator | Non office-based surgical procedure added in CY 2008 or later; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P8H - Endoscopy - laryngoscopy | MUE | 1 |
| 50 | Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 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) | 22 | Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | 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). | 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). | 58 | Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78. | 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. | 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.) | 82 | Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s). | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | CR | Catastrophe/disaster related | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
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