Summary & Overview
CPT 31512: Laryngoscopy with Removal of Laryngeal Lesion
CPT code 31512 denotes laryngoscopy using a laryngeal mirror with operative removal of a lesion in the larynx. This code captures a procedure that is both diagnostic (visual inspection of the voice box) and therapeutic (instrumental excision of a lesion). Nationally, procedures involving the larynx are significant for otolaryngology service lines because they affect voice, airway patency, and oncologic diagnosis and treatment.
Key payers in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of the clinical context for CPT code 31512, typical sites of service where this procedure occurs, and common billing considerations tied to operative laryngoscopy. The publication also provides benchmarks and coding guidance relevant to hospital outpatient departments and ambulatory surgery centers, and summarizes any recent policy updates affecting coverage and site-of-service determination where applicable.
This report is intended to inform billing, coding, and clinical staff about the clinical description and billing implications of CPT code 31512, helping align documentation with coding and reimbursement expectations at a national level.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 31512 describes a diagnostic and operative examination of the larynx using a laryngeal mirror and direct instrumentation to remove a lesion within the larynx. This procedure combines visualization of the voice box (larynx) with excision of an identified lesion.
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Service type: Diagnostic laryngoscopy with operative removal of laryngeal lesion
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Typical site of service: Operative suite or procedure room within an outpatient or ambulatory surgical setting, or inpatient operating room depending on clinical context
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 54-year-old patient presents to an otolaryngology clinic with progressive hoarseness and intermittent throat discomfort. Flexible laryngoscopy in clinic identifies a suspicious exophytic lesion on the true vocal cord. The patient is scheduled for direct laryngoscopy with removal of the lesion under general anesthesia. The typical workflow: preoperative evaluation in clinic and anesthesia assessment; brief pre-op consent focusing on voice risk and bleeding; intraoperative direct laryngoscopy using a laryngoscope and laryngeal mirror for visualization; microsurgical instruments or forceps are used to excise the lesion with care to preserve vocal fold function; hemostasis is achieved and specimen is sent to pathology; immediate post-anesthesia recovery and a brief postoperative voice and swallow instruction visit before discharge. Typical site of service is an ambulatory surgical center or hospital outpatient department. The service type is an operative ENT procedure: excision or removal of an intralaryngeal lesion using laryngeal mirror and instruments.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | No modifier; standard reporting | Use for routine reporting when no modifier applies |
11 | Default; office/clinic standard |