Complications in the Scheduling Process

The billing process begins at the scheduling stage — a critical step where insurance coverage, payer rules, and patient eligibility must be verified with precision. In pulmonology, this process becomes particularly complex due to the frequent need to coordinate with multiple specialists such as radiologists, surgeons, and oncologists, as well as hospitals and diagnostic centers. These interdependencies often require appointments to be rescheduled or adjusted, making it essential to maintain accurate tracking and billing for every encounter.

Additionally, seasonal and preventive services — including vaccines, flu shots, and annual wellness exams — add another layer of scheduling and billing intricacy. Each service requires proper coding, documentation, and insurance verification to ensure compliance and timely reimbursement.

Unlike general practices that handle a high volume of low-cost claims daily, pulmonologists typically treat fewer patients, averaging only 10–15 per day. This means each claim represents a substantial portion of total revenue. As a result, even a single denied, rejected, or overlooked claim can cause significant financial setbacks for the practice.

Moreover, pulmonary treatment codes and modifiers often involve layered complexity. Even experienced coders may encounter challenges when dealing with detailed procedural variations, potentially missing crucial coding nuances. Ensuring the correct application of these layered codes is vital to maintain compliance and prevent costly denials. 

CPT Codes Managed by USMed Billing Solutions in Pulmonology

Partnering with USMed Billing Solutions transforms pulmonology billing from a complex process into a streamlined, accurate, and efficient workflow. Our expert team handles everything from routine diagnostic tests to advanced pulmonary procedures such as biopsies and bronchoscopies, ensuring precision in every code selection.

Even certified and seasoned coders can find pulmonology billing daunting due to overlapping CPT codes and procedural details. USMed Billing Solutions eliminates this uncertainty by providing structured, rules-driven billing support — enabling coders to work confidently, reduce denials, and enhance revenue performance.

Below is an overview of key CPT codes commonly used in pulmonology billing, illustrating how precision directly translates to profitability:

Bronchoscopy (CPT 31622–31651)

A core diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in pulmonology, bronchoscopy allows for visual examination and treatment of airway disorders, including obstructions, infections, and malignancies.

  • CPT 31622 – Diagnostic Bronchoscopy
    Used for basic airway evaluations that do not include brushing, washing, or biopsy.
  • CPT 31625 – Bronchoscopy with Biopsy
    Involves sampling tissue from the bronchial wall for diagnostic purposes, such as identifying infections, inflammation, or cancer.
  • CPT 31628 – Bronchoscopy with Transbronchial Lung Biopsy
    Collects deep lung tissue samples from the parenchyma to diagnose complex pulmonary diseases such as sarcoidosis or interstitial lung disease (ILD).
  • CPT 31635 – Bronchoscopy with Cryotherapy
    Utilizes cryogenic technology to freeze and remove abnormal tissue — typically applied in cases involving tumors or airway obstructions.

Simplifying Pulmonology Billing with USMed Billing Solutions

At USMed Billing Solutions, we simplify pulmonology billing through advanced technology, expert coders, and a transparent workflow. Our goal is to ensure:

  • Accurate CPT and ICD-10 code application
  • Real-time claim tracking and denial prevention
  • Comprehensive insurance verification and payer compliance
  • Timely reimbursements and improved revenue outcomes

With our dedicated pulmonology billing support, practitioners can focus fully on patient care, while we handle the operational and financial complexities behind the scenes. 

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