31640 Bronchoscopy with tumor excise
Also known as: bronchial tumor removal, laser bronchoscopy, tumor ablation
Bronchoscopy with excision or removal of a bronchial or pulmonary tumor using electrocautery, laser, mechanical resection, or other ablative technique.
In Plain Language
removing tumor from lungs through scope
Clinical Context
Performed for endobronchial malignancy causing airway obstruction. May be curative for early-stage disease or palliative for advanced disease with airway compromise.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 4.81 |
| Total RVU | 4.81 |
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 4.81, this code ranks in the 33rd 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 31640?
CPT 31640 (Bronchoscopy with tumor excise) is a Surgery code. Bronchoscopy with excision or removal of a bronchial or pulmonary tumor using electrocautery, laser, mechanical resection, or other ablative technique.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 31640?
The work RVU for CPT 31640 is 4.81. This code is primarily used by Pulmonology, Oncology, Critical Care.
When is CPT 31640 used?
Performed for endobronchial malignancy causing airway obstruction. May be curative for early-stage disease or palliative for advanced disease with airway compromise.
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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.