Insert emergency airway

What is CPT Code 31500?

Emergency endotracheal intubation — insertion of a breathing tube through the mouth into the trachea to secure an airway in a critically ill or injured patient. An emergency procedure performed in the ER, ICU, or operating room.

The Medicare reimbursement rate shown above is the amount the federal government has determined is a reasonable payment for this service. Hospitals and providers that participate in Medicare have agreed to accept these rates from Medicare patients.

Who typically bills this:Emergency medicine physician, intensivist, or anesthesiologist

Common Billing Errors for CPT 31500

• !Billed multiple times for the same intubation event
• !Billed alongside moderate sedation codes when sedation is bundled into the intubation procedure
• !Charged on dates when the patient was intubated but not on the date of the initial intubation procedure

Red Flags on Your Bill

Negotiation Tips for CPT 31500

1. 131500 should appear once — on the date of intubation, not on subsequent ventilator days
2. 2If you see this on a bill, verify it corresponds to a documented emergency airway event in the medical record
3. 3Ventilator management codes (94002, 94003) are separate and cover ongoing management after intubation

Codes That Often Appear With This One

These CPT codes commonly appear on the same bill. Review each one to spot potential bundling errors or duplicate charges.

Found CPT 31500 on Your Bill?

If you see CPT code 31500 on a hospital or medical bill, compare the charged amount to the Medicare rate above. If your bill shows a significantly higher charge, you may have grounds to negotiate.

1. Note the amount charged for CPT 31500 on your itemized bill
2. Compare it to the Medicare rate above — calculate the markup
3. Call the billing department and use the Medicare rate as your anchor:“I see CPT code 31500 billed at [amount]. The Medicare rate for this procedure is $138.79. I'd like to discuss a fair adjustment.”