2025 CPT code 32151
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Respiratory System Feed
Thoracotomy with removal of intrapulmonary foreign body.
Modifiers may be applicable in certain situations, such as modifier -59 (Distinct Procedural Service) if the procedure is performed on a different lobe than another lung procedure during the same session.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of an intrapulmonary foreign body that poses a risk to the patient's health, such as infection, airway obstruction, or lung damage. The documentation must support the need for surgical removal.
The surgeon is responsible for performing the thoracotomy, including incision, access to the lung, foreign body removal, and closure of the surgical site. This often involves managing chest tube placement and post-operative care.
In simple words: The surgeon makes an incision in the chest to access the lung and remove an object lodged inside it.
This code describes a major thoracotomy performed to remove a foreign body located within the lung tissue (intrapulmonary). A thoracotomy involves a surgical incision into the chest wall to access the thoracic cavity and its contents, including the lungs.
Example 1: A child inhales a small toy and it becomes lodged in their lung, requiring a thoracotomy for removal., A patient sustains a penetrating injury to the chest, resulting in a piece of shrapnel embedded in their lung. This requires a thoracotomy to remove the foreign object., Following a previous lung surgery, a surgical sponge is inadvertently left within the patient's chest cavity. A thoracotomy is performed to remove the retained foreign body.
Documentation should include details of the foreign body (type, size, location), the surgical approach used, intraoperative findings, and any complications encountered.
- Specialties:Thoracic Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital