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    v1.0.28
    OpenPayerBilling CodesEndoscopy Procedures on the LarynxCPT cpt-31535-laryngoscopy-with-biopsy-larynx
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    CPT 31535: Direct Laryngoscopy with Biopsy of Larynx

    Medicare pays $165 on average nationally for this procedure.

    CPT code 31535 describes direct laryngoscopy with biopsy, a procedure in which the provider uses a laryngoscope to directly visualize the larynx (voice box) and surgically remove tissue for pathological examination; service type: diagnostic surgical biopsy of the larynx; typical site of service: ambulatory surgery center, hospital outpatient department, or operating room depending on clinical setting and anesthesia needs.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric or Substance Use Disorders, Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric or Substance Use Disorders, Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric or Substance Use Disorders.

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    Table of contents

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A 58-year-old patient presents to the otolaryngology clinic with progressive hoarseness and intermittent throat discomfort for six weeks. Flexible laryngoscopy in clinic identifies a suspicious lesion on the vocal fold. The patient is scheduled for direct laryngoscopy with biopsy under general anesthesia to obtain tissue for histopathologic evaluation and rule out dysplasia or malignancy. Pre-procedure workflow includes informed consent, review of anticoagulation status, preoperative anesthesia assessment, and scheduling in an ambulatory surgery center or hospital operating room depending on comorbidities. Intraoperative steps include induction of general anesthesia, direct laryngoscopy with a laryngoscope for exposure, microscopic visualization of the larynx, biopsy sampling of the lesion, hemostasis, and specimen submission to pathology. Post-procedure workflow includes recovery in PACU, discharge instructions for voice rest and wound care, pathology result review, and planning of definitive management based on histology (surveillance, further excision, radiation, or oncologic referral).

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    31231Nasal endoscopy, diagnostic, unilateral or bilateral (separate procedure)Often performed preoperatively in clinic for airway assessment or to evaluate sinonasal pathology that may impact airway management.
    31500Intubation, endotracheal, emergency or for general anesthesia (separate procedure)Performed to secure the airway for general anesthesia during direct laryngoscopy and biopsy.
    31575Laryngoscopy, diagnostic, with stroboscopy (when performed)May be performed preoperatively or intraoperatively for detailed vocal fold assessment; complements biopsy findings.
    31622Bronchoscopy with inspection of tracheobronchial tree (flexible or rigid)Performed if synchronous airway pathology is suspected and additional visualization is required.
    88305Level IV surgical pathology, gross and microscopic examination (biopsy)Used by pathology for processing and reporting of the laryngeal biopsy specimen.

    Related Modifiers

    11 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    25CPT modifier 25 indicates that on the same day as another procedure or service, the same physician or other qualified health care professional provided a significant, separately identifiable…- When to apply: Use modifier 25 only on an E/M code to indicate the same provider delivered a significant, separately identifiable E/M service on the same day as another procedure or service — i.e.,…
    59Modifier 59 indicates a distinct procedural service when two procedures that are not normally billed together are clinically and procedurally separate. The CPT definition (as reiterated by CMS)…- Use modifier -59 to report a distinct procedural service when documentation supports that the procedure reported is not normally billed together with another service on the same day because of a…
    52Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
    53Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
    76Modifier -76, Repeat Procedure or Service by Same Physician or Other Qualified Health Care Professional, is appended when the same provider performs an identical, medically necessary procedure or…- Use modifier -76 when the same physician or other qualified health care professional performs an identical procedure or service a second (or subsequent) time on the same date of service and the…
    50Modifier –50 (Bilateral Procedure) is appended to a CPT code when an identical procedure is performed on paired anatomical structures during the same operative session. The AMA states to add…- Use modifier -50 when the same CPT surgical, diagnostic, or radiology procedure is performed on paired anatomical structures (both sides of the body) during the same operative/session by the same…
    22Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
    51Modifier –51 (Multiple Procedures) is used when the same provider performs multiple procedures in the same session to identify secondary, non‑exempt procedures and indicate payment reduction logic…- Use modifier -51 when the same provider performs multiple distinct procedures during the same patient encounter: report the highest‑valued procedure first (no modifier) and append -51 to…
    26Modifier 26 (Professional Component) identifies and bills only the professional portion of a split service — the physician’s interpretation, report, and medical judgment — when the technical…- Use CPT Modifier -26 when you are billing only the professional component (PC) of a split‑bill eligible service—i.e., you performed the physician interpretation, medical judgment and prepared a…
    63Modifier‑63 is appended to surgical CPT codes (20000–69990) when a procedure is performed on a neonate or infant weighing ≤ 4 kg (about 8.8 lbs). The AMA/AAPC definition specifies this use and notes…- Use modifier -63 only for surgical procedures in the CPT 20000–69990 series performed on a neonate or infant who weighs ≤ 4 kg at the time of the procedure; it indicates increased complexity due to…

    Showing 1–10 of 11

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy CodeSpecialtyNotes
    3336C0002XClinic PharmacyA pharmacy in a clinic, emergency room or hospital (outpatient) that dispenses medications to patients for self-administration under the supervision o…
    209800000XLegal Medicine (M.D./D.O.) PhysicianLegal Medicine is a special field of medicine that focuses on various aspects of medicine and law. Historically, the practice of legal medicine made c…
    261Q00000XClinic/CenterA facility or distinct part of one used for the diagnosis and treatment of outpatients. "Clinic/Center" is irregularly defined, sometimes being limite…
    156FX1800XOpticianOpticians help fit eyeglasses and contact lenses, following prescriptions from Ophthalmologists and Optometrists. They also help customers decide whi…
    2471Q0001XQuality Management Radiologic TechnologistA radiologic technologist who specializes in quality management.
    282NC0060XCritical Access HospitalHospitals · General Acute Care Hospital
    2865X1600XOperational (Transportable) Military General Acute Care HospitalA Department of Defense (DoD) health care organization furnishing inpatient care 24 hours per day in "non-fixed" or deployed facilities. Entity is not…
    163WC2100XContinence Care Registered NurseNursing Service Providers · Registered Nurse

    Related ICD-10-CM Codes

    26 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    C32.9Malignant neoplasm of larynx, unspecified
    D14.1Benign neoplasm of larynx
    D14.2Benign neoplasm of trachea
    J37.0Chronic laryngitis
    J37.1Chronic laryngotracheitis
    J38.1Polyp of vocal cord and larynx
    J38.2Nodules of vocal cords
    J38.3Other diseases of vocal cords
    J38.4Edema of larynx
    J38.5Laryngeal spasm

    Showing 1–10 of 26

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Anesthesiology1 / 2

    10 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric or Substance Use DisordersPremera Bluecross2026-07-01
    Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric or Substance Use DisordersPremera Bluecross2026-07-01
    Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric or Substance Use DisordersPremera Bluecross2026-07-01
    Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric or Substance Use DisordersPremera Bluecross2026-07-01
    Elective Inpatient Services (for Idaho Only)UnitedHealthcare2026-06-01
    Sites of Servicepriority health2026-06-01
    Coverage for Ambulatory Surgery Unit (ASU)/Outpatient Facility and Anesthesia for Dental Servicesuniverahealthcare2026-05-21
    Mm_0579_Coveragepositioncriteria_Anesthesia_Services_Selected_Nerve_BlocksCigna2026-05-15
    Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric DisordersBlue Cross Blue Shield - North Carolina2026-04-01
    Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric DisordersBlue Cross Blue Shield - North Carolina2026-04-01

    Related Codes

    CPT-31505-LARYNGOSCOPY-MIRROR-DIAGNOSTIC

    CPT 31505: Laryngeal Mirror Examination (Diagnostic Laryngoscopy)

    CPT-31510-DIAGNOSTIC-LARYNGOSCOPY-WITH-BIOPSY

    CPT 31510: Direct Laryngoscopy with Biopsy

    CPT-31511-LARYNGEAL-MIRROR-EXAM-FOREIGN-BODY-REMOVAL

    CPT 31511: Laryngeal Mirror Examination with Foreign Body Removal

    CPT-31512-LARYNGOSCOPY-WITH-LESION-EXCISION

    CPT 31512: Direct Laryngoscopy with Removal of Laryngeal Lesion

    CPT-31513-LARYNGEAL-EXAM-VOCAL-CORD-INJECTION

    CPT 31513: Laryngoscopy with Vocal Cord Injection

    CPT-31515-DIRECT-LARYNGOSCOPY-ASPIRATION-LARYNX-TRACHEA

    CPT 31515: Direct Laryngoscopy with Aspiration, Optional Tracheoscopy

    CPT-31520-INFANT-DIAGNOSTIC-DIRECT-LARYNGOSCOPY-TRACHEOSCOPY

    CPT 31520: Direct Laryngoscopy with/without Tracheoscopy, Neonate

    CPT-31525-DIRECT-LARYNGOSCOPY-LARYNX-TRACHEOSCOPY-OPTIONAL

    CPT 31525: Direct Laryngoscopy with/without Tracheoscopy, Diagnostic

    CPT-31526-DIRECT-LARYNGOSCOPY-OPERATING-TELESCOPE-MICROSCOPE-DIAGNOSTIC

    CPT 31526: Direct Laryngoscopy with Telescope or Microscope, Diagnostic

    CPT-31527-DIRECT-LARYNGOSCOPY-OBTURATOR-INSERTION

    CPT 31527: Direct Laryngoscopy with Obturator and Optional Tracheoscopy

    Showing 1–10 of 35

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
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