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In CPT® Code 31720, the procedure involves the use of a suction catheter that is inserted through the nasal passage. This catheter is carefully advanced through the pharynx and into the trachea, which is the windpipe that connects the throat to the lungs. The primary purpose of this procedure is to remove accumulated substances such as saliva, pulmonary secretions, blood, vomitus, or other foreign materials that may obstruct the airway or cause respiratory distress. The aspiration process is critical in maintaining airway patency and ensuring that the patient can breathe effectively. This procedure is classified as a separate procedure, indicating that it is performed independently and is not part of a more comprehensive surgical intervention. It is important to note that this procedure is distinct from other related procedures, such as CPT® Code 31725, which involves tracheobronchial catheter aspiration performed with a fiberscope. In that case, moderate sedation may be provided, and the catheter is introduced through the mouth or a tracheostomy, allowing for aspiration from the bronchi as well. Understanding the nuances of these procedures is essential for accurate coding and billing in medical practice.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
Catheter aspiration via nasotracheal route, as described in CPT® Code 31720, is indicated for patients who present with the following conditions:
The procedure for nasotracheal catheter aspiration involves several critical steps to ensure effective and safe aspiration of materials from the trachea:
After the nasotracheal catheter aspiration procedure, the patient is monitored for any signs of respiratory distress or complications. It is essential to assess the effectiveness of the aspiration and ensure that the airway remains patent. The healthcare provider may provide additional care instructions, including monitoring for any residual secretions or the need for further suctioning. Patients may also be advised on signs of complications, such as bleeding or difficulty breathing, that would require immediate medical attention. Overall, the post-procedure care focuses on ensuring the patient's safety and comfort while facilitating recovery.
| Short Descr | CLEARANCE OF AIRWAYS | Medium Descr | CATHETER ASPIRATION NASOTRACHEAL SPX | Long Descr | Catheter aspiration (separate procedure); nasotracheal | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple 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. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | STV-Packaged Codes | ASC Payment Indicator | Packaged service/item; no separate payment made. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P5E - Ambulatory procedures - other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 42 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on respiratory system |
| 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.) | AG | Primary physician | 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 | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure |
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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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