31636 Bronchoscopy bronchial stents
Also known as: bronchial stent insertion, airway stent placement, bronchial stent implantation
Bronchoscopy with placement of one or more bronchial stents to maintain airway patency in the setting of stenosis, malignancy, or external compression.
In Plain Language
placing tube or mesh in airways to keep them open
Clinical Context
Performed for malignant or benign airway obstruction. Metal stents are often used for malignancy (self-expanding), while plastic stents for benign strictures.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 4.19 |
| Total RVU | 4.19 |
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 4.19, 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 31636?
CPT 31636 (Bronchoscopy bronchial stents) is a Surgery code. Bronchoscopy with placement of one or more bronchial stents to maintain airway patency in the setting of stenosis, malignancy, or external compression.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 31636?
The work RVU for CPT 31636 is 4.19. This code is primarily used by Pulmonology, Oncology, Critical Care.
When is CPT 31636 used?
Performed for malignant or benign airway obstruction. Metal stents are often used for malignancy (self-expanding), while plastic stents for benign strictures.
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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.