Final answer:
The appropriate CPT code for a rigid bronchoscopy with fluoroscopic guidance and bronchial thermoplasty for one lobe is 31660, with an additional code for fluoroscopy if needed and as permitted by payer policy. It is essential to consult current coding resources or payer policies as these can vary.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asking about the correct CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) code for a procedure involving a rigid bronchoscopy with fluoroscopic guidance and bronchial thermoplasty performed on one lobe. CPT codes are used to describe medical, surgical, and diagnostic services and are designed to communicate uniform information about medical services and procedures among physicians, coders, patients, accreditation organizations, and payers for administrative, financial, and analytical purposes.
The specific CPT code for bronchial thermoplasty performed via bronchoscopy is 31660 for the first lobe and 31661 for each additional lobe treated during the same session. However, because the procedure reported includes the use of fluoroscopic guidance, it would be appropriate to report this service with a code for bronchial thermoplasty (provided the individual payer requires it or does not include fluoroscopy in the primary procedure code), along with the appropriate code for fluoroscopy, if billing separately for the guidance is allowed. It's important to check the latest coding resources or payer policies since coding guidelines can change and vary by payer.