31634 Bronchial with balloon occlusion
Also known as: bronchial occlusion balloon, bronchial blocker placement, selective intubation
Bronchoscopy with bronchial occlusion using an occlusion balloon to treat bronchial bleeding, secure airway during emergent situations, or selectively ventilate portions of lung.
In Plain Language
using balloon to block airway bleeding or control ventilation
Clinical Context
Performed for massive hemoptysis treatment, selective lung ventilation in ICU settings, or protective intubation strategies during surgery.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 3.66 |
| Total RVU | 3.66 |
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 3.66, this code ranks in the 25th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.2x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 31634?
CPT 31634 (Bronchial with balloon occlusion) is a Surgery code. Bronchoscopy with bronchial occlusion using an occlusion balloon to treat bronchial bleeding, secure airway during emergent situations, or selectively ventilate portions of lung.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 31634?
The work RVU for CPT 31634 is 3.66. This code is primarily used by Pulmonology, Critical Care, Thoracic Surgery.
When is CPT 31634 used?
Performed for massive hemoptysis treatment, selective lung ventilation in ICU settings, or protective intubation strategies during surgery.
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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.