diagnostic bronchoscopy with more extensive thoracic procedures

Good afternoon,
I have a CT surgeon that performs a 31622 with tracheostomy's and Vats procedures on a regular basis. His description of the bronchoscopy si "pulmonary toilet" No cci edit conflicts. I'm just not sure why he is doing this all the time for his patients.
Thanks for any insight
Joans

re: diagnostic bronchoscopy with more extensive thoracic procedures

Just a wild guess on my part, but is he doing a lavage of the lungs? (CPT® 31624) ? Are there any samples collected? If there is no op rept I would ask MD exactly what he is doing and explain that we cant code a "pulmonary toilet" since we don't know for sure what he is doing. Read the op rept if you have one, and if it isn't clear, ask the MD to document it more clearly so it can be coded. Clear concise documentation on an op or procedure rept is necessary to code, prove it was done, and get reimbursement.

re: diagnostic bronchoscopy with more extensive thoracic procedures

Thank you so much for your insight. In some cases there is a lavage so I have coded the 31624, but in most cases the documentation is poor. I will get in touch with the MD try to request more clear documentation moving forward.
Thanks again,
Joans