Respiratory Question for the Week of June 26, 2023

Question:

If the operative report states that the tracheobronchial tree was evaluated with a bronchoscope and that sterile saline washings were recovered and sent for culture and a cytologic examination was peformed, is 31622 correct?

Answer:

If the operative report states that the tracheobronchial tree was evaluated with a bronchoscope and that sterile saline washings were recovered and sent for culture and/or cytologic examination, 31622 is correct. Note that his procedure is diagnostic in nature and code 31622 for cell washings includes the terminology “(separate procedure)” in the code description.

This question was answered in our Coding Essentials for RT/Pulmonary Function. For more hot topics relating to respiratory services, please visit our store or call us at 1.800.252.1578, ext. 2.

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