Summary & Overview
CPT 31580: Laryngoplasty for Laryngeal Web Removal with Keel Placement
CPT code 31580 covers laryngoplasty performed to remove a congenital or acquired laryngeal web and to place a keel or stent to prevent scar formation and restenosis. This surgical airway and voice procedure addresses symptomatic airway narrowing and voice disturbance; the placement of a temporary keel or stent is intended to maintain glottic patency during healing. Nationally, the code is relevant for otolaryngology, pediatric airway care, and voice surgery practice patterns, affecting hospital and ambulatory surgical center resource use.
Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find clinical context about the indication and procedural intent, an overview of typical sites of service, and an outline of payer coverage considerations and billing practice elements tied to laryngoplasty for laryngeal webs. The publication summarizes benchmarks and policy considerations that influence claims adjudication, documentation expectations, and follow-up care coding such as staged keel removal. Data not available in the input include specific associated taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnosis codes, related CPT or procedure codes, and service line detail.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 31580 describes laryngoplasty for removal of a laryngeal web with placement of a keel or stent. The procedure involves surgical repair or alteration of the larynx to remove a congenital or acquired membranous web that narrows the airway and to place a temporary keel or stent to prevent scar formation and web reformation. Keel or stent removal may occur in a subsequent procedure after healing.
Service Type: Surgical laryngeal procedure (airway/voice surgery)
Typical Site of Service: Operating room or ambulatory surgical center, with possible inpatient stay depending on clinical need and airway management requirements.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is a child or adult with symptomatic laryngeal web causing airway obstruction, dysphonia, or recurrent stridor. Presentation often follows congenital diagnosis at birth or acquired web formation after laryngeal trauma, prolonged intubation, or laryngeal surgery. Workup includes history and physical exam, flexible or rigid laryngoscopy to visualize the web, and imaging if needed. The clinical workflow: preoperative airway assessment and anesthesia consultation; direct laryngoscopy under general anesthesia; excision of the laryngeal web with microlaryngeal instruments or CO2 laser; placement of a keel or stent to prevent reformation; hemostasis and extubation per airway status. Postoperative care includes airway monitoring, voice rest, topical steroid or antibiotic management as indicated, and outpatient follow-up for keel/stent removal in a separate procedure when healing is adequate. Typical site of service is the operating room or ambulatory surgery center for operative laryngoplasty and keel placement; the keel removal may occur in the OR, procedure room, or clinic depending on patient age and airway complexity.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
22 | Increased procedural services | Use when intraoperative complexity or work substantially exceeds typical laryngoplasty (document rationale and extended operative time). |