The Roles of Flexible Laryngoscopy Videostroboscopy in the Office Evaluation and Management of Patients with Otolaryngologic Disorders.
Flexible and rigid diagnostic laryngoscopy (31575) and flexible (31579) and/or rigid videostroboscopy are well-established diagnostic procedures that are medically indicated for the diagnosis and management of many disorders including those involving the voice, swallowing and upper aerodigestive tract. Each procedure requires the application of distinct endoscopy skills, training and judgment. These endoscopic procedures offer unique information in the functional and anatomic assessment of the upper airway aerodigestive tract. In most cases, these examinations can be performed in the office without taking the patient to the operating room or the endoscopy suite. These procedures are effective in diagnosis and management of otolaryngologic disorders and they are not investigational. Some patients may require one or more of these diagnostic procedures performed individually or sequentially. The extended nature of examination of the structure and function of the upper aerodigestive tract is often comprehensive and complex. The endoscopic evaluation of the upper aerodigestive tract should not be considered part of the routine office examination.
- Flexible laryngoscopy or videostroboscopy should not be considered a routine part of an office visit.
- Flexible laryngoscopy or videostroboscopy should not be required to be done as a separate return visit.
- Flexible laryngoscopy or videostroboscopy should not be mandated to be performed in a separate endoscopy suite or outpatient surgery center in order to be reimbursed.
Clearly defined clinical indicators based on ICD-10 diagnostic code groups have been developed in the literature to support the above positions.
Adopted 9/10/1997
Submitted for Review 3/1/1998
Reaffirmed 3/1/1998
Reviewed 9/26/2005
Revised 12/8/2012
Revised 3/20/2016
Important Disclaimer Notice (Updated 7/31/14)
Position statements are approved by the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery or Foundation (AAO-HNS/F) Boards of Directors and are typically generated from AAO-HNS/F committees. Once approved by the Academy or Foundation Board of Directors, they become official position statements and are added to the existing position statement library. In no sense do they represent a standard of care. The applicability of position statements, as guidance for a procedure, must be determined by the responsible physician in light of all the circumstances presented by the individual patient. Adherence to these clinical position statements will not ensure successful treatment in every situation. As with all AAO-HNS/F guidance, this position statement should not be deemed inclusive of all proper treatment decisions or methods of care, nor exclusive of other treatment decisions or methods of care reasonably directed to obtaining the same results. Position statements are not intended to and should not be treated as legal, medical, or business advice.
