31375 Partial laryngectomy Medicare reimbursement rates in California

An otolaryngologist or head and neck surgeon removes the upper portion of the larynx in a horizontal resection, preserving the lower larynx. This operation is used for selected disease confined to the supraglottic region, such as a laryngeal malignancy, when the surgeon can leave functioning laryngeal structures. It is generally performed in a hospital operating room, with postoperative care directed at airway, swallowing, and voice function.

Select the code from the operative report’s documented resection and reconstruction, distinguishing this supraglottic procedure from vertical partial removal, more extensive partial procedures, and total laryngectomy. Documentation should identify the structures removed and retained and describe any associated neck dissection or reconstruction. The code has a 90-day global period, including the day-before preoperative visit and 90 days of related postoperative care. When multiple procedures occur in the same session, the highest-valued is paid in full and others at 50%. Modifier 50 is inappropriate. Assistant-at-surgery payment may be available; co-surgeon payment requires supporting documentation, and team surgery is not permitted.