CPT® Code 31629

Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, including fluoroscopic guidance, when performed; with transbronchial needle aspiration biopsy(s), trachea, main stem and/or lobar bronchus(i)

A bronchoscopy, whether performed using a rigid or flexible instrument, is a medical procedure that allows for direct visualization of the airways, including the trachea and bronchi. This procedure can be conducted with or without the assistance of fluoroscopic guidance, which utilizes real-time imaging to enhance the accuracy of the examination. During the bronchoscopy, the physician inserts the bronchoscope through the patient's nose or mouth, advancing it into the oropharynx for an initial examination. The vocal cords are also visualized to assess their condition. Following this, the bronchoscope is further advanced into the trachea, where the airway is inspected for any abnormalities. If a rigid bronchoscope is utilized, it may be accompanied by a telescope or a flexible bronchoscope that is inserted through it, allowing for a more detailed view of the distal segments of the mainstem bronchi. A critical component of this procedure is the transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) biopsy, which involves the introduction of a catheter with a flexible needle tip. This needle is carefully navigated through the trachea or bronchus to the targeted biopsy site. By applying suction and moving the needle back and forth across the tissue or lesion, the physician can collect cellular samples for diagnostic purposes. The procedure is essential for obtaining tissue samples from areas that may be difficult to access, aiding in the diagnosis of various pulmonary conditions.