31515 Laryngoscopy for aspiration
Also known as: laryngeal aspiration, airway clearance, laryngeal suction
Laryngoscopic aspiration or removal of fluid, secretions, or debris from the larynx and upper airway to clear obstruction and facilitate airway clearance or obtain diagnostic material.
In Plain Language
suctioning the voice box; clearing mucus from larynx
Clinical Context
Performed in patients with thick secretions, mucus plugging, or fluid accumulation obstructing the larynx. May be therapeutic for aspiration issues or diagnostic for collecting specimens.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.76 |
| Total RVU | 1.76 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
As a surgical CPT code, proper documentation must include the operative report detailing the procedure performed, patient positioning, approach, findings, and any complications. This code has a 0-day global period, meaning pre- and post-operative E&M visits are billable separately on the same day. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 1.76, this code ranks in the 12th percentile among Surgery codes — 4.5x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 31515?
CPT 31515 (Laryngoscopy for aspiration) is a Surgery code. Laryngoscopic aspiration or removal of fluid, secretions, or debris from the larynx and upper airway to clear obstruction and facilitate airway clearance or obtain diagnostic material.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 31515?
The work RVU for CPT 31515 is 1.76. This code is primarily used by Otolaryngology, Critical Care, Anesthesiology.
When is CPT 31515 used?
Performed in patients with thick secretions, mucus plugging, or fluid accumulation obstructing the larynx. May be therapeutic for aspiration issues or diagnostic for collecting specimens.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.