Part B Coding Coach: Implement Code Changes for Your Bronchial and Mediastinal Scope Cases

Why This Topic Matters

These updates affect how common bronchial, mediastinal, and pulmonary valve services are reported under CPT®, so coders need to recognize the revised code structure and changed code availability to support accurate claim reporting.

Article Sections

1. Greet New EBUS Codes and Say Goodbye to +31620

   Introduces CPT® 2016 changes for endobronchial ultrasound services within bronchoscopy, including the shift away from an older add-on approach. The section frames the clinical setting and the type of reporting changes involved.

2. Read Up On 2 New Mediastinoscopy Codes

   Covers CPT® 2016 mediastinoscopy updates and the addition of more specific code choices for different mediastinal procedures. The section also places these updates in the broader context of thoracic scope coding.

3. Don’t Overlook These Other Pulmonary Code Changes

   Summarizes additional CPT® 2016 pulmonary-related changes, including a revised transcatheter pulmonary valve procedure code and minor descriptor language updates for selected bronchoscopy add-on services.