AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS - 2025 Issue 2; Ask the Editor

Emergent Cricothyroidotomy with Conversion to Tracheostomy

An emergent cricothyroidotomy was performed at bedside due to cardiac arrest and the inability to access the airway. The patient had been extubated to bilevel positive airway pressure earlier in the day. An episode of significant oxygen desaturation progressed to pulseless electrical activity. After failed attempts at intubation, a cricothyroidotomy was performed with the insertion of an endotracheal tube. Once stabilized, the patient was taken to the operating room for conversion to a formal tracheostomy. The vertical incision was opened and the endotracheal tube that had been placed posteriorly through the cricothyroid membrane was visualized and confirmed in the appropriate position. The trachea was elevated, and a tracheotomy was made at the third ring in a horizontal fashion and carried down through the cartilage. The endotracheal tube was removed and a tracheostomy tube was placed into the tracheostomy. The tube was noted to be in good position deep into the airway. What are the appropriate procedure codes for the emergent cricothyroidotomy followed by tracheostomy? ...

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