31622 Diagnosis bronchoscope/wash
Also known as: diagnostic bronchoscopy with lavage, BAL, bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchoscopy diagnostic
Diagnostic bronchoscopy (visualization of lower airways) with bronchoalveolar lavage, instilling fluid to wash and collect cellular material from distal lung segments for diagnostic analysis.
In Plain Language
looking down windpipe and washing lungs
Clinical Context
Performed for suspected infections (fungal, mycobacterial, viral), aspiration, or immunocompromised states where alveolar sampling is needed for diagnosis.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 2.47 |
| Total RVU | 2.47 |
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 2.47, this code ranks in the 17th percentile among Surgery codes — 3.2x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 31622?
CPT 31622 (Diagnosis bronchoscope/wash) is a Surgery code. Diagnostic bronchoscopy (visualization of lower airways) with bronchoalveolar lavage, instilling fluid to wash and collect cellular material from distal lung segments for diagnostic analysis.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 31622?
The work RVU for CPT 31622 is 2.47. This code is primarily used by Pulmonology, Infectious Disease, Critical Care.
When is CPT 31622 used?
Performed for suspected infections (fungal, mycobacterial, viral), aspiration, or immunocompromised states where alveolar sampling is needed for diagnosis.
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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.