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CPT 31592: Tracheal Resection with Primary Anastomosis for Subglottic Stenosis
Headline: CPT code 31592: Tracheal resection with primary anastomosis for subglottic stenosis
Lead: CPT code 31592 represents surgical resection of a narrowed segment of the trachea with primary reanastomosis to treat subglottic stenosis, an airway-limiting condition at the level of the cricoid cartilage. This code captures definitive airway reconstruction intended to relieve obstruction and restore airway patency.
What the code represents and why it matters: CPT code 31592 denotes a high-complexity airway surgery that has important implications for perioperative resource use, specialty surgical billing, and post‑operative care. Nationally, utilization reflects referral patterns to centers with otolaryngology and thoracic surgical expertise and has implications for facility staffing, anesthesia, and intensive postoperative monitoring.
Key payers covered: Analysis typically includes major national payers: Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare.
What readers will learn: The publication provides benchmarks for coding and billing patterns, payer coverage context, and clinical context for when CPT code 31592 is applied. It also outlines common modifiers used with complex surgical services and highlights areas where policy updates or payer-specific documentation requirements can affect claims processing. Data not available in the input will be noted where applicable.
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Billing Code Overview
CPT code 31592 describes surgical removal of a narrowed segment of the trachea (tracheal resection) with primary anastomosis to treat subglottic stenosis, a focal narrowing at the level of the cricoid cartilage. This procedure relieves airway obstruction by excising the affected ringlike fibrous tissue and joining the healthy tracheal ends.
Service Type: Surgical airway reconstruction (tracheal resection with primary anastomosis)
Typical Site of Service: Hospital operating room or specialized surgical center, often performed by otolaryngology (ENT) or thoracic surgery teams with perioperative airway and anesthetic support.