31646 Brnchsc with therapy aspiration sbsq
Also known as: additional therapeutic aspiration, repeat suctioning
Subsequent or additional therapeutic bronchoscopy aspiration of secretions, mucus, or material from the bronchial tree during the same or separate procedure.
In Plain Language
additional cleaning of lungs
Clinical Context
Performed when repeat airway clearance is needed for continued secretion management in mechanically ventilated or high-risk patients.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 2.71 |
| Total RVU | 2.71 |
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 2.71, this code ranks in the 19th percentile among Surgery codes — 3.0x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 31646?
CPT 31646 (Brnchsc with therapy aspiration sbsq) is a Surgery code. Subsequent or additional therapeutic bronchoscopy aspiration of secretions, mucus, or material from the bronchial tree during the same or separate procedure.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 31646?
The work RVU for CPT 31646 is 2.71. This code is primarily used by Pulmonology, Critical Care, Emergency Medicine.
When is CPT 31646 used?
Performed when repeat airway clearance is needed for continued secretion management in mechanically ventilated or high-risk patients.
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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.