Summary & Overview
CPT 31572: Flexible Laryngoscopy with Unilateral Laser Ablation
CPT code 31572 designates a flexible laryngoscopy with fiberoptic visualization of the larynx combined with laser ablation of lesions on a single side of the larynx. This code captures a commonly performed otolaryngology procedure that carries diagnostic and therapeutic intent—allowing clinicians to inspect vocal fold pathology and remove focal lesions with minimally invasive endoscopic laser techniques. Nationally, the code is relevant for surgical airway care, voice disorder management, and benign or premalignant laryngeal lesion treatment pathways.
Key payers in the analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context, typical sites of service, and the procedural scope associated with the code. The publication also presents benchmarking and utilization context where available, notes on coding considerations, and policy updates that affect coverage and site-of-service determination. Clinical implications for practice patterns, procedural setting choices (office versus ambulatory surgery center versus operating room), and documentation elements essential to support medical necessity are summarized.
This national-level summary is intended for clinicians, coding professionals, and policy analysts who need a clear, practical description of what CPT code 31572 represents and how it fits into contemporary laryngeal care.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 31572 describes a diagnostic and therapeutic laryngoscopy using a flexible laryngoscope with fiberoptic illumination to visualize the larynx (voice box) and perform laser ablation of lesions on one side of the larynx. The procedure combines endoscopic evaluation with targeted removal of lesions via laser.
Service type: Diagnostic and therapeutic laryngoscopy with laser ablation (unilateral)
Typical site of service: Operating room, ambulatory surgery center, or procedure suite with endoscopic capabilities and laser equipment
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 58-year-old male presents to the otolaryngology clinic with several months of progressive hoarseness and intermittent throat discomfort. Indirect laryngoscopy and office flexible nasolaryngoscopy reveal a unilateral vocal fold lesion suspicious for a benign polyp or dysplastic lesion. After discussion of risks and benefits, the patient is scheduled for an in-office flexible laryngoscopy with laser ablation of the lesion on a single side of the larynx using a fiberoptic flexible laryngoscope and CO2 or laser fiber delivery. The clinical workflow includes pre-procedure evaluation (history, anticoagulation review), topical anesthesia and decongestion, flexible laryngoscopic inspection, targeted laser ablation of the lesion on the affected vocal fold, hemostasis, brief post-procedure observation, and discharge with voice rest and follow-up. Typical site of service is an ambulatory surgical center or office procedure suite equipped for flexible endoscopy and laser use. The service type is an endoscopic diagnostic and therapeutic laryngoscopy using a flexible fiberoptic instrument with laser ablation on one side of the larynx (31572).
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
11 | Provider actively involved in care (default) | Use when provider performs the service in the usual course of practice and no special modifier applies |