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.
In Plain Language
emergency breathing hole in neck
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 |
| Total RVU | 5.85 |
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 5.85, this code ranks in the 39th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.4x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 31603?
CPT 31603 (Emer tracheostomy ttrach) is a Surgery code. Emergency tracheostomy performed urgently through the trachea below the larynx for immediate airway access in critically ill or injured patients with threatened airway.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 31603?
The work RVU for CPT 31603 is 5.85. This code is primarily used by Emergency Medicine, Trauma Surgery, Otolaryngology.
When is CPT 31603 used?
Performed emergently for acute airway obstruction, massive facial/neck trauma, or failed intubation attempts when immediate airway access is critical to patient survival.
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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.