31601 Planned tracheostomy<2 yrs
Also known as: infant tracheostomy, pediatric tracheostomy, neonatal trache
Planned tracheostomy in an infant or young child under age 2 years, creating airway access using pediatric-specific techniques and equipment tailored to smaller anatomy.
In Plain Language
breathing hole for baby or small child
Clinical Context
Performed electively in infants and young children requiring long-term airway access for congenital airway anomalies, ventilator dependency, or severe airway obstruction.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 7.80 |
| Total RVU | 7.80 |
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 7.80, this code ranks in the 49th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.0x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 31601?
CPT 31601 (Planned tracheostomy<2 yrs) is a Surgery code. Planned tracheostomy in an infant or young child under age 2 years, creating airway access using pediatric-specific techniques and equipment tailored to smaller anatomy.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 31601?
The work RVU for CPT 31601 is 7.80. This code is primarily used by Pediatric Surgery, Otolaryngology, Pediatric Critical Care.
When is CPT 31601 used?
Performed electively in infants and young children requiring long-term airway access for congenital airway anomalies, ventilator dependency, or severe airway obstruction.
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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.