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The procedure described by CPT® Code 31577 refers to a flexible laryngoscopy that includes the removal of foreign body(ies) from the larynx. This procedure is typically performed when a patient presents with a suspected obstruction or irritation in the airway due to foreign objects. A flexible laryngoscope, which is a thin, flexible tube equipped with a light and camera, is utilized to visualize the larynx and surrounding structures. The procedure begins with the application of a topical anesthetic to ensure patient comfort and minimize gag reflex during the examination. The laryngoscope is then introduced through the nasal passage, allowing for a thorough examination of the pharynx, vocal cords, and hypopharynx. If a foreign body is identified, it is carefully grasped using specialized forceps and removed through the laryngoscope. This procedure is essential for addressing airway obstructions and preventing further complications associated with foreign body presence in the laryngeal area.
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The flexible laryngoscopy with removal of foreign body(ies) is indicated in the following situations:
The procedure involves several key steps to ensure effective examination and removal of foreign body(ies):
After the procedure, patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications, such as bleeding or respiratory distress. It is important to observe the patient for signs of airway obstruction or adverse reactions to the anesthetic. Patients may experience temporary throat discomfort or hoarseness following the procedure, which usually resolves quickly. Instructions regarding post-procedure care, including any necessary follow-up appointments or further evaluations, should be provided to the patient to ensure proper recovery and management of any underlying conditions.
| Short Descr | LARGSC W/RMVL FOREIGN BDY(S) | Medium Descr | LARYNGOSCOPY FLX RMVL FOREIGN BODY(S) | Long Descr | Laryngoscopy, flexible; with removal of foreign body(s) | 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 | 31575 Laryngoscopy, flexible; diagnostic | 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). | 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. | 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 |
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| 2017-01-01 | Changed | Long, Medium and Short descriptions changed. |
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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