31730 Intro windpipe wire/tube
Also known as: intubation, emergency intubation, airway tube insertion
Introduction of endotracheal tube, wire, or other airway device into the trachea for emergency airway establishment or difficult airway management.
In Plain Language
inserting breathing tube into windpipe
Clinical Context
Performed emergently for airway protection in patients with loss of airway reflexes, severe hypoxemia, or impending airway loss. May be oral or nasal approach.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 2.78 |
| Total RVU | 2.78 |
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 2.78, this code ranks in the 19th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.9x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 31730?
CPT 31730 (Intro windpipe wire/tube) is a Surgery code. Introduction of endotracheal tube, wire, or other airway device into the trachea for emergency airway establishment or difficult airway management.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 31730?
The work RVU for CPT 31730 is 2.78. This code is primarily used by Anesthesiology, Emergency Medicine, Critical Care.
When is CPT 31730 used?
Performed emergently for airway protection in patients with loss of airway reflexes, severe hypoxemia, or impending airway loss. May be oral or nasal approach.
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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.