Summary & Overview
CPT 31775: Bronchial Stenosis Repair with Mucosal Flap Reconstruction
CPT code 31775 represents a surgical bronchial reconstruction procedure to treat bronchial stenosis by dissecting the bronchus and joining mucosal flaps to reestablish the airway. This code captures definitive airway repair techniques used by thoracic surgeons and interventional pulmonologists when endoscopic or noninvasive measures are insufficient. Nationally, the procedure is important for restoring pulmonary function and preventing complications from airway obstruction.
Key payers in this national overview include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise description of the clinical context for 31775, the typical settings where the service is delivered, and which payers commonly cover this type of surgical airway reconstruction. The publication outlines benchmarking considerations, coding and billing context, and relevant policy updates affecting reimbursement and coverage determinations for surgical airway procedures.
This summary provides clinicians, billing staff, and policy analysts with the essential clinical and payment context for CPT code 31775, including what the code represents, why it matters for patient care and hospital operations, and which national payers are relevant for coverage and claims processing. Data not available in the input: associated taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnoses, related codes, and payer-specific reimbursement rates.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 31775 describes a surgical procedure to treat bronchial stenosis by dissecting the affected bronchus and creating mucosal flaps to reestablish the airway. The technique restores airway patency by reconstructing the bronchial mucosa and lumen.
Service type: Surgical airway reconstruction
Typical site of service: Inpatient or outpatient operating room / procedural suite (thoracic surgery or interventional pulmonology setting)
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is an adult with symptomatic bronchial stenosis (for example post-intubation scar, postinfectious scarring, post-transplant airway stricture, or localized intrinsic tumor-related narrowing) presenting with progressive dyspnea, recurrent atelectasis, or persistent cough and recurrent pulmonary infections. Diagnostic workup includes history and physical, chest imaging (chest X-ray and CT chest with airway reconstruction), pulmonary function testing, and bronchoscopic evaluation. After bronchoscopic assessment confirms a focal bronchial stenosis not amenable to endoscopic dilation alone, the thoracic surgeon or otolaryngologist plans an open or bronchoplastic procedure to dissect the stenotic segment and reapproximate mucosal flaps to reestablish airway continuity.
Preoperative workflow includes evaluation by anesthesia, optimization of pulmonary status, informed consent detailing risks (airway compromise, bleeding, infection, anastomotic leak), and scheduling in an operating room with bronchoscopy and appropriate airway exchange equipment. Intraoperative steps include exposure of the affected bronchus, careful dissection of scar tissue, creation and mobilization of mucosal flaps, and primary mucosal-to-mucosal closure to reestablish lumen patency. Postoperative care includes monitoring in a post-anesthesia care unit or intensive care setting for airway edema, chest tube management if required, chest imaging, bronchoscopy for surveillance anastomotic integrity as indicated, pulmonary toilet, and follow-up pulmonary rehabilitation as needed.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
22 |