31643 Diagnostic bronchoscope/catheter
Also known as: bronchoscopy with catheter placement, diagnostic catheterization, bronchial catheterization
Diagnostic bronchoscopy with placement of a catheter in a bronchus for subsequent diagnostic procedures (sampling, medication delivery, or airway assessment).
In Plain Language
placing tube for further lung testing
Clinical Context
Performed to place diagnostic or therapeutic catheters for sequential procedures, medication delivery, or continued monitoring.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 3.40 |
| Total RVU | 3.40 |
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 3.40, this code ranks in the 23rd percentile among Surgery codes — 2.4x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 31643?
CPT 31643 (Diagnostic bronchoscope/catheter) is a Surgery code. Diagnostic bronchoscopy with placement of a catheter in a bronchus for subsequent diagnostic procedures (sampling, medication delivery, or airway assessment).
What is the wRVU value for CPT 31643?
The work RVU for CPT 31643 is 3.40. This code is primarily used by Pulmonology, Critical Care, Interventional Radiology.
When is CPT 31643 used?
Performed to place diagnostic or therapeutic catheters for sequential procedures, medication delivery, or continued monitoring.
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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.