AMA CPT® Assistant - 2004 Issue 7 (July)
Respiratory System/Surgery (July 2004)
July 2004 page 13 Coding Consultation: Questions and Answers Respiratory System, 31633, 31629 (Q&A) Question What is the appropriate code to report for a transbronchial needle aspiration biopsy of an additional lobe? AMA Comment Prior to 2004, a CPT code did not exist for the reporting of a transbronchial needle aspiration biopsy of an additional lobe. Code 31633 was established as an add-on code to describe the needle aspiration biopsies in each additional lobe after the initial lobar needle aspiration procedure. Therefore, the appropriate code for reporting a transbronchial needle aspiration biopsy of an additional lobe is code...
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Article Overview
This article presents a coding consultation from CPT Assistant focused on respiratory system surgery. It addresses a question about reporting a transbronchial needle aspiration biopsy in the context of bronchoscopy and explains the broader coding context for an add-on service versus the primary procedure. It is relevant to coders, billers, and compliance staff working with CPT respiratory procedures.
Why This Topic Matters
It helps readers understand how this July 2004 CPT update relates to respiratory surgery reporting and where the article’s guidance applies within the CPT system.
Article Sections
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Coding Consultation: Questions and Answers
Introduces the consultation format and the respiratory system coding topic addressed in the article.
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Question
Presents the coding question posed to the publication regarding a respiratory procedure reporting scenario.
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AMA Comment
Summarizes the AMA’s explanatory response and the surrounding CPT context discussed in the article.
What You Will Learn
- The article’s focus within respiratory system surgery coding
- The consultation format used to present the guidance
- The general CPT reporting context discussed for a bronchoscopy-related biopsy service
- How the article frames the relationship between primary and additional-lobe reporting concepts
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Billing staff
- Compliance professionals
- Physician practice managers
Codes Discussed
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