Summary & Overview
CPT 31571: Direct Laryngoscopy with Vocal Cord Injection
CPT code 31571 denotes a direct laryngoscopy with injection of a therapeutic agent into one or more vocal cords under telescope or microscope guidance. This procedure is a combined diagnostic and therapeutic service used to evaluate the larynx and deliver targeted treatment to vocal cord pathology, including lesions, paralysis-related augmentation, or symptomatic glottic insufficiency. Its relevance spans otolaryngology and laryngology practices and affects facility and physician billing due to its operative nature and typical use in controlled procedural settings.
Key payers referenced in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise national-level summary of what CPT code 31571 represents, how it is typically delivered (service line and site of service), and the payer landscape addressed. The publication provides benchmarks and coding context relevant to clinicians, billing professionals, and policy analysts: definitions of the service, typical clinical indications, expected settings of care, and common modifier usage patterns. It also highlights policy considerations affecting coverage and claim adjudication for operative laryngoscopy with vocal cord injection. The content is organized to support quick reference for coding accuracy and administrative planning for practices that perform operative laryngoscopy procedures.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 31571 describes direct laryngoscopy with injection of a therapeutic agent into one or more vocal cords under visualization using an operating telescope or microscope. The procedure involves using a laryngoscope to directly inspect the larynx (voice box) to detect abnormalities and then deliver a targeted injection to the vocal cord(s).
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Service type: Diagnostic direct laryngoscopy with therapeutic vocal cord injection
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Typical site of service: Operating room or procedure suite, often under general or monitored anesthesia care
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Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 58-year-old patient with progressive hoarseness and vocal fatigue is referred to an otolaryngologist after office laryngoscopy suggests a unilateral vocal fold lesion with glottic insufficiency. The patient presents for operative direct laryngoscopy under general anesthesia for visualization with an operating microscope and injection laryngoplasty of the affected vocal fold using a temporary or longer‑lasting injectable implant to improve glottic closure and voice quality. Pre-procedure workflow includes history and focused exam, review of prior imaging or stroboscopic findings, informed consent, anesthesia evaluation, and documentation of baseline voice assessment. Intraoperative workflow includes direct microlaryngoscopic inspection with a laryngoscope, microscope- or telescope-guided localization of the vocal fold abnormality, needle placement into one or more vocal cords, and injection of the therapeutic agent. Postoperative workflow includes recovery from anesthesia, voice rest instructions, follow-up voice therapy referral as indicated, and documentation of injected volume, laterality, any intraoperative complications, and expected outcomes. Typical site of service is an ambulatory surgery center or hospital operating room.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
25 | Data not available in the input. | Data not available in the input. |
51 | Data not available in the input. | Data not available in the input. |
26 | Data not available in the input. | Data not available in the input. |
52 | Data not available in the input. | Data not available in the input. |
53 | Data not available in the input. | Data not available in the input. |
59 | Data not available in the input. | Data not available in the input. |
62 | Data not available in the input. | Data not available in the input. |
63 | Data not available in the input. | Data not available in the input. |
76 | Data not available in the input. | Data not available in the input. |
RT | Data not available in the input. | Data not available in the input. |
| Taxonomy Code | Specialty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 207N00000X | Otolaryngology | Primary specialty performing laryngoscopy and injection laryngoplasty. |
| 2084P0800X | Speech-Language Pathology | Often involved in pre- and post-procedure voice assessment and therapy. |
| 208D00000X | Anesthesiology | Provides anesthesia services for operative direct laryngoscopy. |
| 208000000X | General Surgery | Occasionally involved in airway procedures within tertiary practices. |
Related Diagnoses
| ICD-10 Code | Description | Clinical Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Data not available in the input. | Data not available in the input. | Data not available in the input. |
Related CPT Codes
| CPT Code | Description | Relationship to This Procedure |
|---|---|---|
31575 | Direct laryngoscopy, diagnostic, with stripping or biopsy of vocal cord lesion when performed | May be performed in the same session if biopsy or excision is indicated prior to or instead of injection. |
31360 | Removal of foreign body, larynx; simple | Performed if obstruction or foreign material is encountered during direct laryngoscopy. |
31505 | Laryngoscopy, flexible fiberoptic; diagnostic | Often used in the clinic preoperatively for initial evaluation and staging before scheduling operative direct laryngoscopy. |
92507 | Treatment of speech, language, voice, communication, and/or auditory processing disorder; individual | Commonly provided postoperatively as voice therapy following injection laryngoplasty. |
31579 | Microlaryngoscopy with laryngoplasty (includes grafts) | Performed in procedures addressing structural laryngeal issues that may accompany or follow injection-based treatments. |