31624 Diagnosis bronchoscope/lavage
Also known as: diagnostic bronchoscopy with lavage, BAL, bronchoalveolar wash, bronchoscopy with lavage
Diagnostic bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage, collecting fluid and cells from lower airways for diagnostic analysis in evaluation of suspected pulmonary pathology.
In Plain Language
rinsing lungs through scope for testing
Clinical Context
Performed for evaluation of pulmonary infections, aspiration, inflammation, or malignancy where alveolar cell and fluid analysis is diagnostically valuable.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 2.56 |
| Total RVU | 2.56 |
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 2.56, this code ranks in the 18th percentile among Surgery codes — 3.1x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 31624?
CPT 31624 (Diagnosis bronchoscope/lavage) is a Surgery code. Diagnostic bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage, collecting fluid and cells from lower airways for diagnostic analysis in evaluation of suspected pulmonary pathology.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 31624?
The work RVU for CPT 31624 is 2.56. This code is primarily used by Pulmonology, Critical Care, Infectious Disease.
When is CPT 31624 used?
Performed for evaluation of pulmonary infections, aspiration, inflammation, or malignancy where alveolar cell and fluid analysis is diagnostically valuable.
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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.