AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-9 - 2010 Issue 4; Volume 3 New/Revised Codes
Bronchial Thermoplasty Ablation
Effective October 1, 2010, code 32.27, Bronchoscopic bronchial thermoplasty, ablation of airway smooth muscle, has been created for bronchial thermoplasty. Bronchial thermoplasty is a new bronchoscopic procedure that involves the ablation of airway smooth muscle of the lung for the treatment of severe asthma that is refractory to conventional medical treatment. Airway smooth muscle is located within the walls of the lung. Patients with asthma have significantly increased amounts of airway smooth muscle to constrict in response to external stimuli such as dust, allergens, cold air and stress. During bronchial thermoplasty, a flexible bronchoscope is introduced into the...
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Article Overview
This article covers the introduction of a new procedure code for bronchial thermoplasty effective October 1, 2010, along with a high-level overview of the bronchoscopic treatment and its clinical purpose. It is useful for coders and billing professionals who need to recognize the procedure, its timing, and the general scope of the coding update without relying on the premium article. The discussion also places the code change in the context of severe asthma care and minimally invasive airway treatment.
Why This Topic Matters
This update matters because it documents a code creation tied to a specific procedure and effective date, helping revenue cycle, coding, and compliance teams stay aligned with procedure coding changes.
What You Will Learn
- What bronchial thermoplasty is in broad clinical terms
- Why the procedure was introduced as a coded service
- The effective date associated with the coding update
- The general treatment context for severe asthma
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Billing specialists
- Revenue cycle staff
- Clinical documentation staff
Codes Discussed
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