31631 Bronchoscopy dilate with stent
Also known as: bronchial stent placement, airway stenting, bronchial stent insertion
Bronchoscopy with dilation of an airway stricture or stenosis followed by placement of a stent (expandable mesh or plastic tube) to maintain airway patency.
In Plain Language
inserting stent to keep airways open
Clinical Context
Performed for malignant or benign airway stenosis that recurs despite dilation. Stents may be temporary (removable) or permanent depending on underlying pathology.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 4.25 |
| Total RVU | 4.25 |
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 4.25, this code ranks in the 29th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.9x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 31631?
CPT 31631 (Bronchoscopy dilate with stent) is a Surgery code. Bronchoscopy with dilation of an airway stricture or stenosis followed by placement of a stent (expandable mesh or plastic tube) to maintain airway patency.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 31631?
The work RVU for CPT 31631 is 4.25. This code is primarily used by Pulmonology, Oncology, Critical Care.
When is CPT 31631 used?
Performed for malignant or benign airway stenosis that recurs despite dilation. Stents may be temporary (removable) or permanent depending on underlying pathology.
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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.