31603 Emer tracheostomy ttrach
Also known as: emergency tracheostomy, emergency trache, cricothyrotomy alternative
Emergency tracheostomy performed urgently through the trachea below the larynx for immediate airway access in critically ill or injured patients with threatened airway.
Clinical Context
Performed emergently for acute airway obstruction, massive facial/neck trauma, or failed intubation attempts when immediate airway access is critical to patient survival.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 5.85 |
| Practice Expense RVU | 1.41 |
| Malpractice RVU | 1.08 |
| Total RVU | 8.34 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Specialties
Track This Code in RVU Edge
Log procedures, calculate wRVUs, and benchmark against MGMA data — all in one app.
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.