Summary & Overview
CPT 31632: Transbronchial Biopsy, Additional Lobe
Headline: CPT code 31632 defines an add-on transbronchial biopsy of an additional lung lobe using bronchoscopy; it clarifies coding for multi-lobar sampling.
Lead: CPT code 31632 describes an add-on bronchoscopic procedure to obtain transbronchial biopsies from an additional pulmonary lobe following biopsy of an initial lobe. The code specifies use of a rigid or flexible bronchoscope and permits fluoroscopic guidance.
Why it matters: Accurate use of CPT code 31632 supports clinical documentation and claims integrity for multi-lobar transbronchial biopsy procedures, which can affect coding clarity and payment processing at scale for institutions performing advanced pulmonary diagnostics.
Payers covered: Analysis addresses national payers including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare.
What readers will learn: The publication provides benchmarks and coding guidance context for CPT code 31632, explains the clinical scenarios and common service locations where the add-on biopsy is used, and summarizes payer coverage patterns and policy nuances where available. It highlights operational considerations for documenting multi-lobar bronchoscopic biopsies and identifies areas where data is not available in the input.
Scope: Content is national in focus and intended for coding professionals, pulmonologists, and revenue cycle staff seeking concise reference on the code’s clinical meaning and payer landscape.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 31632 is an add-on transbronchial biopsy procedure performed with a rigid or flexible bronchoscope to obtain one or more biopsy specimens from an additional lobe of the lung after biopsy of an initial lobe. The procedure may be performed with fluoroscopic guidance when clinically indicated.
Service type: Bronchoscopic transbronchial biopsy (add-on)
Typical site of service: Hospital inpatient, hospital outpatient department, or ambulatory surgery center based on bronchoscopy and biopsy practice settings.
Data not available in the input.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 62-year-old patient with progressive, unexplained pulmonary nodules identified on chest CT is scheduled for diagnostic bronchoscopy with transbronchial biopsy. The bronchoscopist performs an initial transbronchial biopsy of one lobe (for example, the right middle lobe) using a flexible bronchoscope under moderate sedation with fluoroscopic guidance. Due to radiographic findings demonstrating additional suspicious lesions in a second lobe (for example, the right lower lobe), the provider obtains transbronchial biopsies from that additional lobe during the same session. The procedure may occur in an endoscopy suite or operating room, with nursing support and pathologic specimen handling. Indications include evaluation of diffuse parenchymal lung disease, suspected pulmonary malignancy, or evaluation of persistent pulmonary infiltrates. The workflow includes pre-procedure consent and assessment, sedation/airway management, bronchoscope insertion, targeted sampling with transbronchial forceps (with optional fluoroscopy), hemostasis monitoring, specimen labeling and submission to pathology, post-procedure recovery, and documentation of complications or additional services performed such as BAL or endobronchial biopsy.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
22 | Increased procedural services | Use when work or time is substantially greater than typical for the procedure. |