Summary & Overview
CPT 31505: Laryngoscopy with Laryngeal Mirror, Diagnostic
CPT code 31505 represents a diagnostic laryngoscopy performed with a laryngeal mirror to directly visualize the larynx and identify structural or mucosal abnormalities. As a focused, low-resource diagnostic procedure commonly performed in outpatient otolaryngology and primary care settings, it is an important code for documenting clinical evaluation of voice, throat, and airway complaints. Nationally, accurate coding for this service supports clinical documentation, utilization monitoring, and claims adjudication for routine laryngeal assessment.
Key payers included in the analysis are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The publication provides a concise overview of clinical context, typical sites of service, and payer coverage considerations for this diagnostic procedure. Readers will find practical benchmarking information where available, summary-level payer patterns, and a clear description of how the procedure is represented in administrative billing.
This report is intended for a national audience of clinicians, coding professionals, and policy analysts seeking a concise reference for CPT code 31505. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable; the focus is on clarifying the clinical meaning, expected service setting, and the payers addressed in the analysis.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 31505 describes a diagnostic laryngoscopy using a laryngeal mirror to visualize the larynx (voice box) and detect abnormalities. This procedure is a diagnostic, direct visualization technique that allows the provider to inspect vocal cords, supraglottic and subglottic structures for lesions, inflammation, or other pathology.
-
Service type: Diagnostic laryngoscopy using mirror technique
-
Typical site of service: Office or clinic outpatient setting, or other ambulatory care locations where basic laryngeal examination is performed
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 45-year-old patient presents to an outpatient otolaryngology clinic with a 3-week history of persistent hoarseness and intermittent throat discomfort. The clinician performs a focused history and physical exam and elects to perform an in‑office indirect laryngoscopy using a laryngeal mirror to visualize the larynx and vocal cords. The procedure is diagnostic, performed under topical anesthesia as needed, and typically lasts only minutes. Findings may include vocal fold erythema, edema, nodules, or lesions requiring documentation of visualization, patient tolerance, and any immediate follow-up. Typical site of service is an otolaryngology clinic or ambulatory surgery center when performed as an in‑office diagnostic exam.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
11 | Normal or routine service | Use when this is the primary, uncomplicated diagnostic visit with standard laryngoscopy performed. |
22 | Increased procedural services | Use when the procedure required substantially greater effort or time than typical diagnostic mirror laryngoscopy. |