Bronchoscopy with Direct Laryngoscopy

Question:

I’m trying to figure out when I can bill for both a direct laryngoscopy and a bronchoscopy.  It seems very confusing so I would appreciate it if you could help.

Answer:

Sure!  CPT 31622 (diagnostic bronchoscopy) may be separately reported when both of these criteria are met: 1) a separate piece of equipment, other than that used for the direct laryngoscopy, is used, and 2) the scope entered the right and/or left bronchus. If neither criteria is met, then 31622 is not separately reported.  It goes without saying that you must have established medical necessity for the procedure (e.g., diagnosis statements, Indications paragraph).

*This response is based on the best information available as of 8/19/21.