Basics of Bronchoscopies
Bronchoscopies are a medical procedure used to examine the air passages and lungs. During this procedure, a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera at the end, called a bronchoscope, is inserted into the mouth or nose and passed down into the lungs. Bronchoscopies can be used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, and they are often used to diagnose lung diseases such as cancer, infections, and inflammation. In this article, we will see some of the most common types and CPT and diagnosis codes for Bronchoscopies.
CPT and Diagnosis Codes for Bronchoscopies
There are different types of bronchoscopies that can be used depending on the specific needs of the patient. Let’s briefly understand type of Bronchoscopy and applicable CPT and diagnosis codes.
1. Flexible Bronchoscopy
This is the most common type of bronchoscopy. It uses a flexible tube that can be directed into different parts of the lung. This type of bronchoscopy is used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
CPT Codes for Flexible Bronchoscopy:
- 31622 – Bronchoscopy, flexible, with or without fluoroscopic guidance, diagnostic
- 31623 – Bronchoscopy, flexible, with or without fluoroscopic guidance, with transbronchial lung biopsy(s), single lobe
Diagnosis Codes for Flexible Bronchoscopy:
- 11 – Acute bronchospasm
- 01 – Acute bronchitis due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae
- 9 – Emphysema, unspecified
- 901 – Unspecified asthma with (acute) exacerbation
2. Rigid Bronchoscopy
This is a less common type of bronchoscopy that uses a rigid tube. It is typically used for more complex procedures, such as removing foreign objects from the airway or treating large tumors.
CPT Codes for Rigid Bronchoscopy
- 31600 – Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, including fluoroscopic guidance, when performed; diagnostic
- 31603 – Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, including fluoroscopic guidance, when performed; with removal of foreign body
Diagnosis Codes for Rigid Bronchoscopy
- 8 – Other specified diseases of upper respiratory tract
- 4 – Other disorders of lung
- 2 – Hemoptysis
- 3XXA – Foreign body in bronchus, initial encounter
3. Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS)
This type of bronchoscopy uses a bronchoscope equipped with an ultrasound probe to obtain images of the lungs and surrounding tissue. EBUS is often used to diagnose lung cancer and to guide biopsy procedures.
CPT Codes for Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS)
- 31652 – Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, including fluoroscopic guidance, when performed; with endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)
- 31653 – Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, including fluoroscopic guidance, when performed; with endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) and transbronchial needle aspiration biopsy(s)
Diagnosis Codes for Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS)
- 31 – Malignant neoplasm of upper lobe, right bronchus or lung
- 32 – Malignant neoplasm of upper lobe, left bronchus or lung
- 9 – Malignant neoplasm of unspecified part of unspecified bronchus or lung
- 1 – Nonspecific abnormal findings on diagnostic imaging of lung
4. Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL)
This is a procedure that is done during a bronchoscopy to collect a sample of fluid from the lungs. BAL is often used to diagnose infections and other lung diseases.
CPT Codes for Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL)
- 31623 – Bronchoscopy, flexible, with or without fluoroscopic guidance, with transbronchial lung biopsy(s), single lobe
- 31624 – Bronchoscopy, flexible, with or without fluoroscopic guidance, with transbronchial lung biopsy(s), each additional lobe (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Diagnosis Codes Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL)
- 10 – Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis
- 114 – Other interstitial lung diseases with alveolar collapse
- 9 – Interstitial pulmonary disease, unspecified
- 1 – Abscess of lung with pneumonia
5. Transbronchial Lung Biopsy (TBLB)
This is a procedure that is done during a bronchoscopy to obtain a tissue sample from the lungs. TBLB is often used to diagnose lung diseases such as sarcoidosis and interstitial lung disease.
CPT Codes for Transbronchial Lung Biopsy (TBLB)
- 31622 – Bronchoscopy, flexible, with or without fluoroscopic guidance, diagnostic
- 31623 – Bronchoscopy, flexible, with or without fluoroscopic guidance, with transbronchial lung biopsy(s), single lobe
- 31624 – Bronchoscopy, flexible, with or without fluoroscopic guidance, with transbronchial lung biopsy(s), each additional lobe (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Diagnosis Codes for Transbronchial Lung Biopsy (TBLB)
- 114 – Other interstitial lung diseases with alveolar collapse
- 84 – Other interstitial lung diseases with fibrosis
- 9 – Interstitial pulmonary disease, unspecified
- 0 – Malignant pleural effusion
- 09 – Other diseases of bronchus, not elsewhere classified
It is important to note that these are just a few examples of the CPT and diagnosis codes that may be applicable for each type of bronchoscopy. The appropriate codes will depend on the specific circumstances of each procedure, such as the reason for the bronchoscopy and any additional procedures performed during the same session. Additionally, it is important for healthcare providers to properly document the indications, findings, and conclusions of the bronchoscopy in order to support the choice of procedure and the billing codes. Accurate and complete documentation is key to avoiding billing errors and ensuring proper reimbursement for the services provided.
We hope that you might have received good understanding of CPT and diagnosis codes for Bronchoscopies. Note that CPT is registered trademark of American Medical Association. We shared commonly used CPT codes for bronchoscopies as we can’t share complete list due to copyright issues. Providers are advised to review complete list of CPT and diagnosis codes and payer guidelines before making code selection.
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