31820 Closure of windpipe lesion
Also known as: tracheal closure, tracheal defect closure
Surgical closure of a tracheal defect or fistula, performed using primary suturing or simple closure technique to seal the opening and restore tracheal integrity.
In Plain Language
windpipe hole closure; tracheal opening repair
Clinical Context
Used for tracheal fistulas, small perforations, or defects requiring simple closure without resection, often after prior surgical intervention.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 4.52 |
| Total RVU | 4.52 |
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 90-day global period, which includes the day of the procedure, 1 day preoperative, and 90 days of postoperative care. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 4.52, this code ranks in the 31st percentile among Surgery codes — 1.8x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 31820?
CPT 31820 (Closure of windpipe lesion) is a Surgery code. Surgical closure of a tracheal defect or fistula, performed using primary suturing or simple closure technique to seal the opening and restore tracheal integrity.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 31820?
The work RVU for CPT 31820 is 4.52. This code is primarily used by Thoracic Surgery, Otolaryngology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 31820 used?
Used for tracheal fistulas, small perforations, or defects requiring simple closure without resection, often after prior surgical intervention.
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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.