Bronchoscopy Procedures: A Closer Look (August 2005)

Why This Topic Matters

Bronchoscopy reporting changed in CPT 2005, and this article helps readers understand the scope of those changes within the bronchoscopy endoscopy subsection. It is useful for accurate code selection and for recognizing how procedural updates affect documentation and reporting workflows.

Article Sections

1. August 2005 pages 4-6

   Publication context and article placement within CPT Assistant.

2. New and Revised Code Descriptors

   An overview of the bronchoscopy-related code updates introduced for the year and the general procedural areas they affect.

3. Trachea and Bronchi Stenting

   Discussion of airway stenting revisions, the distinction between tracheal and bronchial stenting, and related reporting considerations.

4. Endobronchial Ultrasound

   Explanation of the addition of endobronchial ultrasound to bronchoscopy reporting and the clinical settings in which it is used.

5. Fluoroscopic Guidance

   Clarification of how fluoroscopic guidance relates to the bronchoscopy code family and the associated reporting context.

6. Code 31620

   A procedural example illustrating the work associated with endobronchial ultrasound during bronchoscopy.

7. Code 31630

   A procedural example showing dilation work during bronchoscopy.

8. Code 31631

   A procedural example involving airway stent placement within the bronchoscopy setting.

9. Code 31636

   A procedural example involving bronchial stent placement and related bronchoscopic work.

10. Code 31637

    A procedural example describing additional bronchial stenting in a different bronchus.

11. Code 31638

    A procedural example addressing revision of a previously placed airway stent during bronchoscopy.