Question:
Would you be able to direct me to where I can find some clarification on which CPT codes to use when we do a dilatation of subglottic stenosis? We will do a microdirect laryngoscopy/tracheoscopy with CO2 laser excision/destruction of subglottic scar tissue (stenosis) along with balloon dilation of the stenosis, and sometimes injection of steroid into the scar tissue. I have been unable to get a clear answer on which codes we should be using for this since some of the codes are more suggestive of vocal cord procedures (31528, 31541, 31571) whereas others are more bronchoscopy procedures (31630, 31641). None seem to specifically address the subglottic trachea.
Answer:
Thank you for contacting KZA with your question regarding dilatation of subglottic stenosis. A CPT Assistant from July 2019 indicates:
Question: If CO2 laser excision of subglottic scar band that resulted in stenosis is performed via direct laryngoscopy, should this be reported with code 31541 or an unlisted code?
Answer: Code 31541, Laryngoscopy, direct, operative, with excision of tumor and/or stripping of vocal cords or epiglottis; with operating microscope or telescope, is the correct code to report for this procedure.
*This response is based on the best information available as of 11/12/26.
