FeeBase
Log inGet started
Menu

CPT code 31510: Laryngoscopy, indirect approach with biopsy2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Connecticut

An otolaryngologist uses an indirect laryngoscopic approach to inspect the larynx and obtain tissue from a suspicious area for biopsy.

CMS RVU26DEffective Oct 1, 2026One payment locality22 Medicare services in 2024

In Connecticut, Medicare pays $229.26 for 31510 in the office and $110.91 when it’s performed in a hospital or facility.

$229.26Office (non-facility)
$110.91Hospital or facility
+6.6%vs the national office rate ($215.10)

Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 31510 nationwide

Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.

We’ll open 31510 for the payment locality that covers the ZIP.

On this page 11 sections
  1. Rate in Connecticut
  2. What 31510 covers
  3. Compared with other areas
  4. Rate map
  5. How it’s calculated
  6. Payment rules
  7. Related codes
  8. Rate history
  9. Where it applies
  10. Billing questions
  11. Sources

What 31510 covers

This service combines indirect visualization of the larynx with collection of tissue from a selected area for diagnostic examination. An otolaryngologist commonly performs it when an abnormal mucosal area or lesion needs tissue assessment, in an outpatient practice or a facility. The defining features are the indirect approach and biopsy; a diagnostic look without tissue sampling is a different service, as is a direct operative laryngoscopy.

Report the code when the documented service includes both indirect laryngeal examination and biopsy. The record should identify the indication and biopsy site, and support that tissue was obtained. This is a minor procedure with a 0-day global period, so same-day preoperative and postoperative care is included. When related endoscopies are performed together, endoscopy family pricing applies. Bilateral adjustment is not appropriate. Assistant-at-surgery payment requires documentation of medical necessity; co-surgeons and team surgery are not permitted.

This summary was written with AI assistance from CMS physician fee schedule data and checked against the CMS billing rules shown here. Rates on this page come directly from CMS files.

How Connecticut compares for 31510

Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 31510 runs from $190.59 in Arkansas to $281.57 in San Benito County, CA. Connecticut pays $229.26. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.

31510 in Connecticut vs other payment areas
  1. Connecticut · this page$229.26
  2. Los Angeles, CA · California$241.09+$11.83
  3. Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$245.08+$15.82
  4. Miami, FL · Florida$234.28+$5.02
  5. Chicago, IL · Illinois$227.50−$1.76
  6. Manhattan, NY · New York$247.51+$18.25
  7. Alaska · Alaska$251.79+$22.53

Other areas in Connecticut first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.

Every other payment area

31510 in every other Medicare payment locality
Payment localityOfficeFacility
AlabamaAlabama$193.34$97.19
ArkansasArkansas$190.59$96.20
ArizonaArizona$209.39$102.91
Bakersfield, CACalifornia$226.71$106.27
Chico, CACalifornia$225.95$105.52
El Centro, CACalifornia$226.00$105.56
Fresno, CACalifornia$225.95$105.52
Hanford, CACalifornia$225.95$105.52

31510 rates by state

Office rate range in each state. Select a state to see its payment localities.

MEWIVTNHMTNDMNMINYMARIWAIDWYSDIAILINOHPANJCTORNVUTCONEMOKYWVVAMDDECAAZNMKSOKARTNNCSCDCTXLAMSALGAFLAKHI

Explore a state

Local rates. Clear comparisons.

Hover or focus a tile to see its rate range. Select it to open the state’s fee schedule.

$190.59

$253.76

Color shows the midpoint of each state’s locality range.

View every state and territory as a table
31510 office rate range by state
State / territoryOffice rate rangeLocalities
AK$251.791
AL$193.341
AR$190.591
AZ$209.391
CA$225.95–$281.5729
CO$223.161
CT$229.261
DC$245.081
DE$212.811
FL$213.14–$234.283
GA$201.22–$219.342
GU$231.171
HI$231.171
IA$197.631
ID$199.011
IL$207.47–$227.504
IN$200.131
KS$196.971
KY$198.381
LA$198.18–$207.792
MA$221.97–$244.642
MD$216.74–$245.083
ME$200.30–$210.602
MI$203.70–$216.022
MN$213.161
MO$195.01–$208.213
MS$192.831
MT$215.081
NC$202.321
ND$209.941
NE$198.621
NH$219.921
NJ$231.69–$242.662
NM$204.901
NV$213.801
NY$205.32–$253.755
OH$202.651
OK$197.761
OR$211.95–$229.862
PA$202.82–$223.802
PR$216.561
RI$220.101
SC$202.861
SD$209.341
TN$197.981
TX$201.53–$222.598
UT$205.581
VA$210.10–$245.082
VI$216.561
VT$209.371
WA$221.47–$249.312
WI$203.051
WV$199.991
WY$212.841

See 31510 in every payment locality

How the 31510 rate is calculated

Each of 31510’s three RVUs is multiplied by a geographic index (GPCI) for the payment locality, added up, and multiplied by the conversion factor. Drag the indexes or enter a ZIP to see what moves the rate.

How the rate is built · 31510

RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor

Office or facility?

Work1.87

1.87 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Practice expense4.31

4.31 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Malpractice0.26

0.26 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Adjusted RVUs

6.4400

Conversion factor

$33.4009

Medicare rate

$215.10

Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.

The exact Connecticut inputs and CMS source lines

PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv

3,577

Code
31510
Physician work
1.87
Practice expense
4.31
Malpractice
0.26

GPCI2026.csv

38

Locality
Connecticut
Physician work
1.020
Practice expense
1.077
Malpractice
1.210
Office calculation for 31510 in Connecticut
ComponentRVULocality factorAdjusted
Physician work1.87× 1.0201.9074
Practice expense4.31× 1.0774.6419
Malpractice0.26× 1.2100.3146
Total RVUs6.8639
Conversion factor× 33.4009

Office rate, Connecticut$229.26

Office: (1.87 × 1.02 + 4.31 × 1.077 + 0.26 × 1.21) × $33.4009 = $229.26

Facility: (1.87 × 1.02 + 1.02 × 1.077 + 0.26 × 1.21) × $33.4009 = $110.91

Open 31510 in the RVU calculator

Payment rules and modifiers for 31510

The CMS indicators that decide how 31510 is paid alongside other services.

CMS payment indicators · 31510

Laryngoscopy, indirect approach with biopsy

RuleCMS valueWhat it means
Global period000Same-day global: pre- and post-op care on the day of the procedure is included.
Multiple procedures3Endoscopy family rules apply.
Bilateral (modifier 50)0The 150% bilateral adjustment doesn’t apply.
Assistant at surgery (80/81/82/AS)0Not paid without supporting documentation.
Co-surgeons (62)0Not permitted.
Team surgery (66)0Not permitted.
Professional/technical0Physician service: no professional/technical split.

What modifiers do to the payment

Modifier 51 · payment effect

With and without the modifier

31510 without 51 · national office

$215.10

Laryngoscopy, indirect approach with biopsy

31510-51 · Second procedure: 50%

$107.55

When this isn’t the highest-valued procedure in the session, Medicare pays 50% of its fee schedule amount (the highest is paid at 100%).

When to use modifier 51

Codes related to 31510

Related codes aren’t interchangeable: bill the code that matches the service performed.

Codes related to 31510
CodeHow it relatesOffice range, Connecticut
Same family
31505Laryngoscopy, indirect, diagnosticIndirect diagnostic laryngoscopy without the biopsy included in 31510.$94.52
31511Laryngeal FB removal, indirect laryngoscopyIndirect laryngoscopy in the same group, performed to remove a laryngeal foreign body.$224.30
31512Laryngeal lesion removal, indirect laryngoscopyIndirect laryngoscopy in the same group, performed to remove a laryngeal lesion.$230.91
31513Vocal-fold injection, indirect approachIndirect laryngoscopy in the same group, performed with vocal-cord injection.No office rate
Used instead
31535Laryngeal biopsy, direct operative approachDirect operative laryngoscopy with biopsy rather than the indirect approach.No office rate
31536Laryngeal biopsy, with operating scopeDirect operative laryngoscopy with biopsy using an operating scope.No office rate

How 31510 has changed in Connecticut

31510 · Office / nonfacility

$229.26

Effective 2026-10-01

The base rate is $4.87 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $224.39 to $229.26 (2.2%).

It is unchanged from the immediately preceding available release, effective 2026-07-01.

Base rate by release · bars start at $0 · select a bar to compare

One bar per available release, ordered by effective date. Missing rates remain gaps. These comparisons hold the code, setting and locality identifiers constant; they do not isolate which policy or input caused a change.

What changed, release by release

  1. January 1, 2026

    RVU26A

    $224.39changed to$229.26

    • Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
    • Work RVU 1.92 changed to 1.87
    • Practice expense RVU 4.25 changed to 4.31
    • Malpractice RVU 0.28 changed to 0.26
    • Work GPCI 1.022 changed to 1.020
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.091 changed to 1.077
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.207 changed to 1.210

    Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.

  2. January 1, 2025

    RVU25A

    $232.69changed to$224.39

    • Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
    • Practice expense RVU 4.31 changed to 4.25
    • Malpractice RVU 0.27 changed to 0.28

    Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.

  3. March 9, 2024

    RVU24AR

    $228.89changed to$232.69

    • Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875

    Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.

  4. January 1, 2024

    RVU24A

    $238.13changed to$228.89

    • Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
    • Practice expense RVU 4.32 changed to 4.31
    • Work GPCI 1.030 changed to 1.022
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.102 changed to 1.091
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.070 changed to 1.207

  5. January 1, 2023

    RVU23A

    $240.44changed to$238.13

    • Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
    • Practice expense RVU 4.24 changed to 4.32
    • Malpractice RVU 0.25 changed to 0.27
    • Work GPCI 1.037 changed to 1.030
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.114 changed to 1.102
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.934 changed to 1.070

    Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.

  6. January 1, 2022

    RVU22A

    $240.04changed to$240.44

    • Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
    • Practice expense RVU 4.17 changed to 4.24
    • Malpractice RVU 0.26 changed to 0.25

    Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.

  7. January 1, 2021

    RVU21A

    $237.41changed to$240.04

    • Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
    • Practice expense RVU 3.87 changed to 4.17
    • Malpractice RVU 0.27 changed to 0.26
    • Work GPCI 1.029 changed to 1.037
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.113 changed to 1.114
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.094 changed to 0.934

    Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.

  8. January 1, 2020

    RVU20A

    $235.95changed to$237.41

    • Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
    • Practice expense RVU 3.82 changed to 3.87
    • Work GPCI 1.021 changed to 1.029
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.112 changed to 1.113
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.255 changed to 1.094

    Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.

  9. January 1, 2019

    RVU19A

    $232.89changed to$235.95

    • Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
    • Practice expense RVU 3.75 changed to 3.82

    Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.

  10. January 1, 2018

    RVU18AR1

    $236.53changed to$232.89

    • Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
    • Practice expense RVU 3.83 changed to 3.75
    • Malpractice RVU 0.28 changed to 0.27
    • Work GPCI 1.023 changed to 1.021
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.117 changed to 1.112
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.244 changed to 1.255

    Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.

  11. January 1, 2017

    RVU17A

    $236.87changed to$236.53

    • Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
    • Practice expense RVU 3.84 changed to 3.83
    • Work GPCI 1.024 changed to 1.023
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.121 changed to 1.117
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.232 changed to 1.244

    Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.

  12. January 1, 2016

    RVU16A

    $238.57changed to$236.87

    • Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
    • Practice expense RVU 3.85 changed to 3.84
    • Malpractice RVU 0.29 changed to 0.28

    Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.

  13. July 1, 2015

    RVU15C

    $237.38changed to$238.57

    • Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335

    Held through RVU15D.

  14. January 1, 2015

    RVU15A

    $234.20changed to$237.38

    • Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
    • Practice expense RVU 3.82 changed to 3.85
    • Malpractice RVU 0.25 changed to 0.29
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.116 changed to 1.121
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.234 changed to 1.232

    Held through RVU15B.

  15. January 1, 2014

    RVU14A

    $240.21changed to$234.20

    • Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
    • Practice expense RVU 4.30 changed to 3.82
    • Malpractice RVU 0.26 changed to 0.25
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.110 changed to 1.116
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.235 changed to 1.234

    Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.

  16. January 1, 2013

    RVU13AR

    Earliest loaded release: $240.21

    Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.

Rates in every CMS release
Effective fromOfficeFacilityCMS release
2026-10-01$229.26$110.91RVU26D
2026-07-01$229.26$110.91RVU26C
2026-04-01$229.26$110.91RVU26B
2026-01-01$229.26$110.91RVU26A
2025-10-01$224.39$125.93RVU25D
2025-07-01$224.39$125.93RVU25C
2025-04-01$224.39$125.93RVU25B
2025-01-01$224.39$125.93RVU25A
2024-10-01$232.69$128.46RVU24D
2024-07-01$232.69$128.46RVU24C
2024-04-01$232.69$128.46RVU24B
2024-03-09$232.69$128.46RVU24AR
2024-01-01$228.89$126.37RVU24A
2023-10-01$238.13$129.83RVU23D
2023-07-01$238.13$129.83RVU23C
2023-04-01$238.13$129.83RVU23B
2023-01-01$238.13$129.83RVU23A
2022-10-01$240.44$129.03RVU22D
2022-07-01$240.44$129.03RVU22C
2022-04-01$240.44$129.03RVU22B
2022-01-01$240.44$129.03RVU22A
2021-10-01$240.04$128.87RVU21D
2021-07-01$240.04$128.87RVU21C
2021-04-01$240.04$128.87RVU21B
2021-01-01$240.04$128.87RVU21A
2020-10-01$237.41$132.57RVU20D
2020-07-01$237.41$132.57RVU20C
2020-04-01$237.41$132.57RVU20B
2020-01-01$237.41$132.57RVU20A
2019-10-01$235.95$133.76RVU19D
2019-07-01$235.95$133.76RVU19C
2019-04-01$235.95$133.76RVU19B
2019-01-01$235.95$133.76RVU19A
2018-10-01$232.89$133.21RVU18D
2018-07-01$232.89$133.21RVU18C
2018-04-01$232.89$133.21RVU18B
2018-01-01$232.89$133.21RVU18AR1
2017-10-01$236.53$135.11RVU17D
2017-07-01$236.53$135.11RVU17C
2017-04-01$236.53$135.11RVU17B
2017-01-01$236.53$135.11RVU17A
2016-10-01$236.87$135.32RVU16D
2016-07-01$236.87$135.32RVU16C
2016-04-01$236.87$135.32RVU16B
2016-01-01$236.87$135.32RVU16A
2015-10-01$238.57$137.06RVU15D
2015-07-01$238.57$137.06RVU15C
2015-04-01$237.38$136.38RVU15B
2015-01-01$237.38$136.38RVU15A
2014-10-01$234.20$134.25RVU14D
2014-07-01$234.20$134.25RVU14C
2014-04-01$234.20$134.25RVU14B
2014-01-01$234.20$134.25RVU14A
2013-10-01$240.21$132.58RVU13D
2013-07-01$240.21$132.58RVU13C
2013-04-01$240.21$132.58RVU13B
2013-01-01$240.21$132.58RVU13AR

Price 31510 for an earlier date of service

Where the Connecticut rate applies

Connecticut is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 215 cities and communities in Connecticut. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.

  • Ansonia
  • Ball Pond
  • Baltic
  • Bantam
  • Bethel
  • Bethlehem Village
  • Bigelow Corners
  • Blue Hills

Browse all communities in Connecticut

31510 billing questions

How is this different from 31505?

31505 is an indirect diagnostic laryngoscopy without biopsy. Report 31510 when the indirect examination also includes tissue sampling.

When would 31535 be a better fit?

31535 describes direct operative laryngoscopy with biopsy. Use 31510 for an indirect approach, not a direct operative examination.

Can the diagnostic laryngoscopy be billed separately from the biopsy?

The indirect examination is part of the service described by 31510. Do not separately report a diagnostic laryngoscopy for the same examination.

Should modifier 50 be used for biopsies on both sides?

No. CMS identifies bilateral adjustment as inappropriate for this code; do not use modifier 50 to represent bilateral work.

What documentation supports reporting 31510?

Document the reason for examination, the indirect laryngoscopic approach, the laryngeal biopsy site, and that tissue was obtained.

How does the 0-day global period affect same-day care?

Same-day preoperative and postoperative care is included in the procedure's 0-day global period.

Where these rates come from

FeeBase calculates base physician payments from CMS work, practice-expense and malpractice RVUs, adjusted by each locality’s geographic indexes and the conversion factor. Services without a published rate are labeled, never given a made-up amount. Amounts are Medicare allowed amounts before claim adjustments: not a patient’s bill or a commercial rate.

CMS RVU26D · effective Oct 1, 2026 through the day before Jan 1, 2027

Show the CMS file lines behind this rate
RVUs for 31510PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv, line 3,577 (RVU26D)
Geographic factors for ConnecticutGPCI2026.csv, line 38 (RVU26D)

Open CMS sourceHow we calculate rates

Did this answer your question about what 31510 pays in Connecticut?

Tell us what you were actually trying to work out. We’ll answer you directly, or build the page that does.

Fee sheets · Coming soon

Put 31510 and the rest of your codes on one sheet

Your codes at your locality, with payer contracts beside Medicare.

Join the waitlist