31638 Bronchoscopy revise stent
Also known as: stent revision, stent replacement, stent repositioning
Bronchoscopy with revision, repositioning, removal, or replacement of a previously placed bronchial stent due to migration, malfunction, restenosis, or stent failure.
In Plain Language
fixing or replacing a stent in airways
Clinical Context
Performed when previously placed stents fail, migrate, become occluded, or require repositioning. Common complication of airway stenting requiring intervention.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 4.76 |
| Total RVU | 4.76 |
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 4.76, this code ranks in the 32nd percentile among Surgery codes — 1.7x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 31638?
CPT 31638 (Bronchoscopy revise stent) is a Surgery code. Bronchoscopy with revision, repositioning, removal, or replacement of a previously placed bronchial stent due to migration, malfunction, restenosis, or stent failure.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 31638?
The work RVU for CPT 31638 is 4.76. This code is primarily used by Pulmonology, Oncology, Critical Care.
When is CPT 31638 used?
Performed when previously placed stents fail, migrate, become occluded, or require repositioning. Common complication of airway stenting requiring intervention.
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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.