31612 Percutaneous trchl puncture ttrach aspiration
Also known as: percutaneous tracheostomy, needle tracheostomy, transtracheal aspiration
Percutaneous (through skin) tracheostomy puncture or needle aspiration of the trachea for diagnostic specimen collection or therapeutic drainage of tracheal abscess or secretions.
In Plain Language
needle procedure to collect fluid from windpipe
Clinical Context
Performed for diagnostic culture collection from lower respiratory tract or therapeutic drainage of tracheal infection or abscess. Minimally invasive compared to open tracheostomy.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 0.89 |
| Total RVU | 0.89 |
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 0.89, this code ranks in the 4th percentile among Surgery codes — 9.0x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 31612?
CPT 31612 (Percutaneous trchl puncture ttrach aspiration) is a Surgery code. Percutaneous (through skin) tracheostomy puncture or needle aspiration of the trachea for diagnostic specimen collection or therapeutic drainage of tracheal abscess or secretions.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 31612?
The work RVU for CPT 31612 is 0.89. This code is primarily used by Critical Care, Infectious Disease, Pulmonology.
When is CPT 31612 used?
Performed for diagnostic culture collection from lower respiratory tract or therapeutic drainage of tracheal infection or abscess. Minimally invasive compared to open tracheostomy.
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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.