CPT® Code 0277T

Deleted

Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, including fluoroscopic guidance, when performed; with bronchial thermoplasty, 2 or more lobes

Bronchial thermoplasty is a medical procedure designed to manage severe, persistent asthma in patients whose symptoms are not adequately controlled by standard inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta-agonists. This procedure involves the use of a bronchoscope, which can be either rigid or flexible, to access the airways. The bronchoscope is introduced through the patient's nose or mouth and navigated into the oropharynx, with fluoroscopic guidance utilized as necessary to ensure accurate placement. Once the bronchoscope reaches the trachea, it is further advanced into the right or left mainstem bronchus, allowing for a thorough examination of the airways for any abnormalities. In cases where a rigid bronchoscope is employed, a telescope or flexible bronchoscope may be inserted through it to visualize the distal segments of each mainstem bronchus effectively. The procedure specifically targets the excessive smooth muscle tissue in the airways, which can contribute to airway constriction and asthma symptoms. By delivering controlled radiofrequency energy to the airway walls, bronchial thermoplasty aims to reduce the amount of smooth muscle, thereby improving airway function and reducing asthma exacerbations. It is important to note that this procedure is typically performed in multiple sessions, as only a limited number of lobes (1-2) can be treated during each session, with CPT® Code 0277T specifically indicating the treatment of two or more lobes in a single session.