I'm trying to understand the guidelines relating to coding bubble 31622 through 31651.
Guidelines under Trachea and Bronchi/Endoscopy state that codes "31622 - 31649 include fluoroscopic guidance when performed."
Code 31651 is also part of that bubble. It is an add on code just like 31649 is.
31649 is used with 31648. Both codes fall within the code range for "fluoroscopic guidance included when performed" instruction.
However, 31651 falls outside that instruction but is to be used with code 31647 which falls within the instruction. So, will 31651 include fluoroscopic guidance when performed or not?
I understand that some codes within a bubble may include something that others within the bubble do not. However, looking at the description of these codes, I'm am wondering if 31651 should have been included in the code range mentioned in the guidelines. At first I thought perhaps it was not included in the guideline instructions since it was an add-on code and so naturally, it applied without need of mention. But, 31649 is also an add-on code and is included in the instruction. And so, that made me question: What is it about code 31651 that excludes it from the guidelines that "fluoroscopic guidance is included when performed?"
Hoping someone knows, and can explain it to me. I had made a note in my manual that it does not include fluro, but now, I'm thinking it does.
Guidelines under Trachea and Bronchi/Endoscopy state that codes "31622 - 31649 include fluoroscopic guidance when performed."
Code 31651 is also part of that bubble. It is an add on code just like 31649 is.
31649 is used with 31648. Both codes fall within the code range for "fluoroscopic guidance included when performed" instruction.
However, 31651 falls outside that instruction but is to be used with code 31647 which falls within the instruction. So, will 31651 include fluoroscopic guidance when performed or not?
I understand that some codes within a bubble may include something that others within the bubble do not. However, looking at the description of these codes, I'm am wondering if 31651 should have been included in the code range mentioned in the guidelines. At first I thought perhaps it was not included in the guideline instructions since it was an add-on code and so naturally, it applied without need of mention. But, 31649 is also an add-on code and is included in the instruction. And so, that made me question: What is it about code 31651 that excludes it from the guidelines that "fluoroscopic guidance is included when performed?"
Hoping someone knows, and can explain it to me. I had made a note in my manual that it does not include fluro, but now, I'm thinking it does.