For a direct laryngoscopy with tracheoscopy on a newborn male weighing 3500 grams, which code should be reported?

The correct coding for a direct laryngoscopy with tracheoscopy on a newborn male weighing 3500 grams is associated with the code for laryngoscopy procedures. Code 31515 specifically refers to a direct laryngoscopy, which is the procedure being performed in this scenario. The “-63” modifier indicates that the procedure was performed on a patient under the age of 5, which applies to a newborn.

When coding for this procedure, it is important to choose the correct code that accurately describes both the procedure and the age of the patient. In this case, since the procedure involves direct visualization of the larynx and also includes the trachea (tracheoscopy), 31515 is appropriate, as it covers the scope of the procedure performed on a newborn.

Other options represent different procedures or codes that do not accurately describe the direct laryngoscopy and tracheoscopy situation for a newborn, making code 31515-63 the right choice for this specific case.