Under what circumstances is code 31500 reportable when a patient is first placed on mechanical ventilation?
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 CMS 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 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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