31725 Clearance of airways
Also known as: complex airway clearance, advanced airway management, obstinate obstruction clearance
Clearance of airways using more complex techniques such as bronchoscopy-assisted clearance, mechanical ventilation adjustments, or advanced suctioning for obstinate airway obstruction.
In Plain Language
advanced clearing of blocked airways
Clinical Context
Performed for complicated airway obstruction not responding to simple suctioning, requiring advanced clearance techniques in critical care settings.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.67 |
| Total RVU | 1.67 |
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 1.67, this code ranks in the 10th percentile among Surgery codes — 4.8x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 31725?
CPT 31725 (Clearance of airways) is a Surgery code. Clearance of airways using more complex techniques such as bronchoscopy-assisted clearance, mechanical ventilation adjustments, or advanced suctioning for obstinate airway obstruction.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 31725?
The work RVU for CPT 31725 is 1.67. This code is primarily used by Critical Care, Pulmonology, Respiratory Therapy.
When is CPT 31725 used?
Performed for complicated airway obstruction not responding to simple suctioning, requiring advanced clearance techniques in critical care settings.
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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.