tci ED Coding & Reimbursement Alert - 2004 Issue 6

Reader Question: Use Add-On Codes for Biopsies, Not Brushings

Question: Can I bill for multiple bronchoscopy brushings and biopsies when the ED physician performs the procedures in different lobes or lungs?Michigan Subscriber Answer: Although you're coding multiple brushings, you should use 31623 (Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, with or without fluoroscopic guidance; with brushing or protected brushings) only once per session. No add-on code exists to report additional lungs.Previously, you reported biopsies once per session, as well. This year, however, CPT revised codes 31628 (Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, with or without fluoroscopic guidance; with transbronchial lung biopsy[s], single lobe) and 31629 (... with transbronchial needle aspiration biopsy[s]...

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