CPT code 31560 denotes direct laryngoscopy with excision of the arytenoid cartilage (arytenoidectomy), a surgical procedure used to address posterior glottic obstruction, airway compromise, or select laryngeal lesions. Nationally, this code captures a specialized otolaryngology operative service that affects surgical utilization, hospital and ambulatory surgery center case mix, and payer coverage policies for airway and voice-preserving interventions.

Key payers in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise explanation of the clinical context for Arytenoidectomy, typical sites of care, and the service type. The publication also summarizes payer coverage themes, common billing modifiers in practice (listed separately), and benchmarks where available. Policy and reimbursement updates affecting coverage criteria, prior authorization, and site-of-service considerations are highlighted to inform billing, coding, and administrative stakeholders.

This national overview supplies clinical context and coding clarity for hospital and ambulatory surgical administrators, otolaryngologists, and revenue cycle teams seeking to align documentation and billing practices with payer expectations.