2016: New EBUS CPT Codes
ATS members should be aware that 2016 brings a change in Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) coding in 2016. The changes better reflect the current technology and differentiate between convex and radial probe ultrasound. The add-on code 31620 will be eliminated and replaced by 3 distinct codes, 31652, 31653 and 31654. 31652 shouold be used when a convex probe EBUS scope is utilized for sampling 2 or fewer hilar or mediastinal stations or structures. Similarly, 31653 is used when 3 or more hilar or mediastinal stations or structures are sampled. Note that the code chosen depends upon the number of stations or structures sampled and 31652 and 31653 may not be used together. Also, the stations or structures sampled now coincide with the appropriate anatomic locations. 31652 and 31653 incorporate sampling so that 31629 and 31633 (transbronchial needle aspiration at the initial or additional stations) cannot be used with these codes. 31654 is used when a radial probe EBUS is employed to image peripheral lesions for access and sampling. It is an add-on code to be used with other bronchoscopy codes (31622-26, 31628, 31629, 31640, 31643, 31645-46) but does not include sampling. It is appropriate to use 31629 and other sampling codes with 31654 even if mediastinal/hilar sampling occurred (codes 31652 or 31653). The distinction is the use of a different form during the same seession of EBUS for peripheral sampling. The multiple endoscopy rule applies to all bronchoscopic procedures during the session with modifiers used if appropriate.
Last Reviewed: November 2016
