31641 Bronchoscopy treat blockage
Also known as: treatment of airway obstruction, bronchial obstruction management, airway clearance
Bronchoscopy with treatment of airway obstruction or blockage using various modalities (thermal, mechanical, chemical) to restore airway patency.
In Plain Language
clearing a blocked airway
Clinical Context
Performed to treat airway obstruction from mucus plugging, blood clots, malignancy, or external compression causing hypoxemia or respiratory compromise.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 4.89 |
| Total RVU | 4.89 |
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 4.89, this code ranks in the 33rd percentile among Surgery codes — 1.6x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 31641?
CPT 31641 (Bronchoscopy treat blockage) is a Surgery code. Bronchoscopy with treatment of airway obstruction or blockage using various modalities (thermal, mechanical, chemical) to restore airway patency.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 31641?
The work RVU for CPT 31641 is 4.89. This code is primarily used by Pulmonology, Critical Care, Emergency Medicine.
When is CPT 31641 used?
Performed to treat airway obstruction from mucus plugging, blood clots, malignancy, or external compression causing hypoxemia or respiratory 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.