CPT code 31587 represents a laryngoplasty procedure commonly known as a cricoid split, a surgical transection of the cricoid cartilage performed to enlarge the subglottic airway without graft placement. This operation is clinically important for managing congenital and acquired subglottic stenosis, conditions that can cause critical airway narrowing in pediatric and adult patients and often require specialized surgical and perioperative care. Nationally, the code matters because it captures a high-acuity, procedure-driven intervention that intersects surgical billing, inpatient and outpatient site-of-service determinations, and payer coverage policies for complex airway reconstruction.

Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise clinical description, typical sites of service, and an outline of what to expect when billing or reviewing claims for this procedure. The publication summarizes common modifiers reported with the code, notes where data are available or missing, and situates CPT code 31587 within the broader context of otolaryngology surgical services and airway management. It is intended for clinicians, coding professionals, and policy analysts seeking a clear reference on the code’s clinical purpose, billing context, and payer landscape at the national level.