Question:
Can 31500 (intubation, endotracheal, emergency procedure) be reported with a ventilation code?
Answer:
The intubation (31500) performed when the patient is first placed on ventilation is reportable only if the code definition of “emergency procedure” has been met. When performed in the outpatient setting, the emergent intubation procedure is reimbursed by Medicare according to APC 5161. In many instances, the intubation is performed by the physician and will be billed by the physician.
This question was answered in the 2018 edition of our Coding Essentials for RT/Pulmonary Function. For more hot topics relating to respiratory therapy services, please view our store, or call us at 1.800.252.1578 ext. 2.