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CPT code 31579: Laryngoscopy, with stroboscopy2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Washington, DC area

Flexible or rigid laryngoscopy with stroboscopic assessment evaluates vocal fold vibration in patients with hoarseness, voice change, or suspected vocal fold disorder.

CMS RVU26DEffective Oct 1, 2026One payment locality94.9K Medicare services in 2024

In Washington, DC area, Medicare pays $221.68 for 31579 in the office and $114.27 when it’s performed in a hospital or facility.

$221.68Office (non-facility)
$114.27Hospital or facility
+13.6%vs the national office rate ($195.06)

Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 31579 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 31579 for the payment locality that covers the ZIP.

On this page 11 sections
  1. Rate in Washington, DC area
  2. What 31579 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 31579 covers

An otolaryngologist or laryngologist uses a flexible scope passed through the nose or a rigid scope through the mouth to view the larynx while the patient phonates. Stroboscopic light makes vocal fold vibration appear in slow motion, helping assess the mucosal wave, vibratory symmetry, closure, and subtle abnormalities. This examination is commonly performed in an office voice clinic for persistent hoarseness, vocal fatigue, or suspected vocal fold lesions or paresis.

Report 31579 when the encounter includes stroboscopic assessment, not just laryngeal visualization. The record should support the voice-related indication and describe the examination and relevant findings. CMS assigns a 0-day global period, so same-day preoperative and postoperative care is included. When related endoscopies are performed together, endoscopy-family pricing applies. Modifier 50 is inappropriate for this service. Medicare does not pay an assistant at surgery, and co-surgeon and team-surgery billing 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 Washington, DC area compares for 31579

Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 31579 runs from $173.42 in Arkansas to $253.72 in San Benito County, CA. Washington, DC area pays $221.68. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.

31579 in Washington, DC area vs other payment areas
  1. Washington, DC area · this page$221.68
  2. Los Angeles, CA · California$217.92−$3.76
  3. Miami, FL · Florida$212.48−$9.20
  4. Chicago, IL · Illinois$206.50−$15.18
  5. Manhattan, NY · New York$224.07+$2.39
  6. Alaska · Alaska$230.21+$8.53
  7. Alabama · Alabama$175.84−$45.84

Other areas in District of Columbia first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.

Every other payment area

31579 in every other Medicare payment locality
Payment localityOfficeFacility
ArkansasArkansas$173.42$95.09
ArizonaArizona$190.00$101.65
Bakersfield, CACalifornia$205.18$105.24
Chico, CACalifornia$204.47$104.53
El Centro, CACalifornia$204.51$104.57
Fresno, CACalifornia$204.47$104.53
Hanford, CACalifornia$204.47$104.53
Madera, CACalifornia$204.47$104.53

31579 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.

$173.42

$230.21

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

View every state and territory as a table
31579 office rate range by state
State / territoryOffice rate rangeLocalities
AK$230.211
AL$175.841
AR$173.421
AZ$190.001
CA$204.47–$253.7229
CO$202.101
CT$207.661
DC$221.681
DE$193.051
FL$193.55–$212.483
GA$183.00–$198.872
GU$208.941
HI$208.941
IA$179.521
ID$180.761
IL$188.62–$206.504
IN$181.751
KS$179.001
KY$180.401
LA$180.24–$188.722
MA$201.09–$221.112
MD$196.53–$221.683
ME$181.96–$190.972
MI$185.14–$196.152
MN$193.071
MO$177.48–$189.033
MS$175.471
MT$195.051
NC$183.731
ND$190.301
NE$180.381
NH$199.221
NJ$209.87–$219.602
NM$186.221
NV$193.851
NY$186.38–$229.645
OH$184.171
OK$179.801
OR$192.18–$207.962
PA$184.29–$202.872
PR$196.331
RI$199.511
SC$184.291
SD$189.741
TN$179.891
TX$183.16–$201.578
UT$186.691
VA$190.56–$221.682
VI$196.331
VT$189.841
WA$200.61–$225.232
WI$184.231
WV$182.021
WY$192.981

See 31579 in every payment locality

How the 31579 rate is calculated

Each of 31579’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 · 31579

RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor

Office or facility?

Work1.83

1.83 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Practice expense3.77

3.77 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Malpractice0.24

0.24 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Adjusted RVUs

5.8400

Conversion factor

$33.4009

Medicare rate

$195.06

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

The exact Washington, DC area inputs and CMS source lines

PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv

3,612

Code
31579
Physician work
1.83
Practice expense
3.77
Malpractice
0.24

GPCI2026.csv

39

Locality
Washington, DC area
Physician work
1.054
Practice expense
1.178
Malpractice
1.113
Office calculation for 31579 in Washington, DC area
ComponentRVULocality factorAdjusted
Physician work1.83× 1.0541.9288
Practice expense3.77× 1.1784.4411
Malpractice0.24× 1.1130.2671
Total RVUs6.6370
Conversion factor× 33.4009

Office rate, Washington, DC area$221.68

Office: (1.83 × 1.054 + 3.77 × 1.178 + 0.24 × 1.113) × $33.4009 = $221.68

Facility: (1.83 × 1.054 + 1.04 × 1.178 + 0.24 × 1.113) × $33.4009 = $114.27

Open 31579 in the RVU calculator

Payment rules and modifiers for 31579

The CMS indicators that decide how 31579 is paid alongside other services.

CMS payment indicators · 31579

Laryngoscopy, with stroboscopy

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)1Not paid (statutory restriction).
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

31579 without 51 · national office

$195.06

Laryngoscopy, with stroboscopy

31579-51 · Second procedure: 50%

$97.53

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 31579

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

Codes related to 31579
CodeHow it relatesOffice range, Washington, DC area
Used instead
31575Laryngoscopy, flexible, diagnosticDiagnostic laryngoscopy without the stroboscopic assessment of vocal fold vibration.$145.82
31576Laryngeal biopsy, flexible endoscopic approachLaryngoscopy with biopsy when tissue sampling is performed.$308.16
31578Laryngoscopy, flexible scope, lesion removalLaryngoscopy with lesion removal when an endoscopic excision is performed.$347.85
Often billed with
92524Voice evaluation, behavioral and perceptual analysisMay be reported for a distinct, separately documented formal voice and resonance evaluation.$121.04
92520Laryngeal testing, aerodynamic and acoustic measuresLaryngeal function studies may accompany stroboscopy when separately performed and documented.$103.95

How 31579 has changed in Washington, DC area

31579 · Office / nonfacility

$221.68

Effective 2026-10-01

The base rate is $2.98 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $218.70 to $221.68 (1.4%).

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

    $218.70changed to$221.68

    • Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
    • Work RVU 1.88 changed to 1.83
    • Practice expense RVU 3.76 changed to 3.77
    • Malpractice RVU 0.25 changed to 0.24
    • Work GPCI 1.057 changed to 1.054
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.192 changed to 1.178
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.168 changed to 1.113

    Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.

  2. January 1, 2025

    RVU25A

    $227.44changed to$218.70

    • Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
    • Practice expense RVU 3.82 changed to 3.76

    Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.

  3. March 9, 2024

    RVU24AR

    $223.73changed to$227.44

    • Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875

    Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.

  4. January 1, 2024

    RVU24A

    $235.68changed to$223.73

    • Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
    • Practice expense RVU 3.84 changed to 3.82
    • Work GPCI 1.056 changed to 1.057
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.214 changed to 1.192
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.231 changed to 1.168

  5. January 1, 2023

    RVU23A

    $241.45changed to$235.68

    • Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
    • Practice expense RVU 3.78 changed to 3.84
    • Work GPCI 1.054 changed to 1.056
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.236 changed to 1.214
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.294 changed to 1.231

    Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.

  6. January 1, 2022

    RVU22A

    $237.85changed to$241.45

    • Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
    • Practice expense RVU 3.65 changed to 3.78

    Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.

  7. January 1, 2021

    RVU21A

    $229.45changed to$237.85

    • Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
    • Practice expense RVU 3.32 changed to 3.65
    • Malpractice RVU 0.26 changed to 0.25
    • Work GPCI 1.049 changed to 1.054
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.221 changed to 1.236
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.277 changed to 1.294

    Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.

  8. January 1, 2020

    RVU20A

    $216.81changed to$229.45

    • Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
    • Practice expense RVU 3.09 changed to 3.32
    • Work GPCI 1.045 changed to 1.049
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.205 changed to 1.221
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.261 changed to 1.277

    Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.

  9. January 1, 2019

    RVU19A

    $210.50changed to$216.81

    • Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
    • Practice expense RVU 2.95 changed to 3.09

    Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.

  10. January 1, 2018

    RVU18AR1

    $207.98changed to$210.50

    • Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
    • Practice expense RVU 2.90 changed to 2.95
    • Work GPCI 1.048 changed to 1.045
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.271 changed to 1.261

    Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.

  11. January 1, 2017

    RVU17A

    $248.99changed to$207.98

    • Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
    • Work RVU 2.26 changed to 1.88
    • Practice expense RVU 3.46 changed to 2.90
    • Malpractice RVU 0.32 changed to 0.26
    • Work GPCI 1.051 changed to 1.048
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.280 changed to 1.271

    Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.

  12. January 1, 2016

    RVU16A

    $249.05changed to$248.99

    • Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
    • Practice expense RVU 3.43 changed to 3.46
    • Malpractice RVU 0.33 changed to 0.32

    Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.

  13. July 1, 2015

    RVU15C

    $247.81changed to$249.05

    • Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335

    Held through RVU15D.

  14. January 1, 2015

    RVU15A

    $248.66changed to$247.81

    • Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
    • Practice expense RVU 3.51 changed to 3.43
    • Malpractice RVU 0.29 changed to 0.33
    • Work GPCI 1.050 changed to 1.051
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.202 changed to 1.205
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.205 changed to 1.280

    Held through RVU15B.

  15. January 1, 2014

    RVU14A

    $249.12changed to$248.66

    • Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
    • Practice expense RVU 3.85 changed to 3.51
    • Malpractice RVU 0.30 changed to 0.29
    • Work GPCI 1.049 changed to 1.050
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.198 changed to 1.202
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.130 changed to 1.205

    Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.

  16. January 1, 2013

    RVU13AR

    Earliest loaded release: $249.12

    Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.

Rates in every CMS release
Effective fromOfficeFacilityCMS release
2026-10-01$221.68$114.27RVU26D
2026-07-01$221.68$114.27RVU26C
2026-04-01$221.68$114.27RVU26B
2026-01-01$221.68$114.27RVU26A
2025-10-01$218.70$130.79RVU25D
2025-07-01$218.70$130.79RVU25C
2025-04-01$218.70$130.79RVU25B
2025-01-01$218.70$130.79RVU25A
2024-10-01$227.44$133.40RVU24D
2024-07-01$227.44$133.40RVU24C
2024-04-01$227.44$133.40RVU24B
2024-03-09$227.44$133.40RVU24AR
2024-01-01$223.73$131.22RVU24A
2023-10-01$235.68$136.53RVU23D
2023-07-01$235.68$136.53RVU23C
2023-04-01$235.68$136.53RVU23B
2023-01-01$235.68$136.53RVU23A
2022-10-01$241.45$137.94RVU22D
2022-07-01$241.45$137.94RVU22C
2022-04-01$241.45$137.94RVU22B
2022-01-01$241.45$137.94RVU22A
2021-10-01$237.85$136.93RVU21D
2021-07-01$237.85$136.93RVU21C
2021-04-01$237.85$136.93RVU21B
2021-01-01$237.85$136.93RVU21A
2020-10-01$229.45$139.12RVU20D
2020-07-01$229.45$139.12RVU20C
2020-04-01$229.45$139.12RVU20B
2020-01-01$229.45$139.12RVU20A
2019-10-01$216.81$138.20RVU19D
2019-07-01$216.81$138.20RVU19C
2019-04-01$216.81$138.20RVU19B
2019-01-01$216.81$138.20RVU19A
2018-10-01$210.50$137.62RVU18D
2018-07-01$210.50$137.62RVU18C
2018-04-01$210.50$137.62RVU18B
2018-01-01$210.50$137.62RVU18AR1
2017-10-01$207.98$138.79RVU17D
2017-07-01$207.98$138.79RVU17C
2017-04-01$207.98$138.79RVU17B
2017-01-01$207.98$138.79RVU17A
2016-10-01$248.99$164.43RVU16D
2016-07-01$248.99$164.43RVU16C
2016-04-01$248.99$164.43RVU16B
2016-01-01$248.99$164.43RVU16A
2015-10-01$249.05$165.05RVU15D
2015-07-01$249.05$165.05RVU15C
2015-04-01$247.81$164.23RVU15B
2015-01-01$247.81$164.23RVU15A
2014-10-01$248.66$163.84RVU14D
2014-07-01$248.66$163.84RVU14C
2014-04-01$248.66$163.84RVU14B
2014-01-01$248.66$163.84RVU14A
2013-10-01$249.12$159.85RVU13D
2013-07-01$249.12$159.85RVU13C
2013-04-01$249.12$159.85RVU13B
2013-01-01$249.12$159.85RVU13AR

Price 31579 for an earlier date of service

Where the Washington, DC area rate applies

Washington, DC area is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 1 cities and communities in District of Columbia. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.

  • Washington

Browse all communities in District of Columbia

31579 billing questions

When should 31579 be chosen instead of 31575?

Report 31579 when stroboscopy is performed to assess vocal fold vibration. Use 31575 for diagnostic laryngoscopy without that stroboscopic assessment.

Can a separate voice evaluation be reported with 31579?

A separately performed and documented formal voice and resonance evaluation may be reported with 92524. The laryngoscopy and voice evaluation must represent distinct services.

What documentation supports 31579?

Document the voice-related complaint or indication, the scope approach, that stroboscopy was performed, and the observed vocal fold vibration or other relevant findings.

Should modifier 50 be used for examination of both vocal folds?

No. CMS identifies bilateral adjustment as inappropriate for 31579; examination of both vocal folds does not support modifier 50.

How is 31579 priced when another related endoscopy is performed?

CMS applies endoscopy-family pricing when related endoscopies are performed together. The claim should reflect the services actually performed and documented.

Can an assistant or co-surgeon be billed for 31579?

Medicare does not pay an assistant at surgery for this code, and co-surgeons and team surgery are not permitted.

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 31579PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv, line 3,612 (RVU26D)
Geographic factors for Washington, DC areaGPCI2026.csv, line 39 (RVU26D)

Open CMS sourceHow we calculate rates

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