2025 CPT code 32501
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Respiratory System Feed
Repair of a portion of the bronchus (bronchoplasty) during a lobectomy or segmentectomy.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the specific circumstances of the procedure. For instance, if the bronchoplasty is performed on the left lung, modifier LT may be appended.
The bronchoplasty is medically necessary when there is damage or a defect in the bronchus that needs to be repaired to preserve lung function or prevent complications. The documentation must support the need for the repair.
The surgeon performs the bronchoplasty during the same surgical session as the lobectomy or segmentectomy. This involves removing the damaged portion of the bronchus and reconstructing it to ensure proper airflow to the remaining lung tissue.
In simple words: During lung surgery to remove a lobe or segment, the surgeon sometimes needs to repair a damaged part of the airway (bronchus). This code covers that repair.
Resection and repair of a portion of the bronchus (bronchoplasty) when performed at the time of lobectomy or segmentectomy. This code is used when a portion of the bronchus to the preserved lung is removed and requires plastic closure to maintain lung function. It is not for closure of the proximal end of a resected bronchus.
Example 1: A patient undergoes a lobectomy for lung cancer. During the procedure, the surgeon discovers damage to the bronchus leading to the remaining lobe. The surgeon performs a bronchoplasty to repair the bronchus and preserve the function of the remaining lobe. Code 32501 is reported in addition to the lobectomy code., A patient with a benign lung tumor undergoes a segmentectomy. The surgeon identifies a small tear in the bronchus near the segment being removed. A bronchoplasty is performed to repair the tear and prevent complications. Code 32501 is reported along with the segmentectomy code., During a VATS lobectomy, the surgeon accidentally damages a portion of the bronchus leading to the adjacent lobe. The surgeon then performs a bronchoplasty to repair the damage. Code 32501 is reported with the VATS lobectomy code.
Documentation should support the medical necessity of both the primary procedure (lobectomy or segmentectomy) and the bronchoplasty. The operative report must clearly describe the extent of the bronchial repair, the techniques used, and the reason for the repair. Any intraoperative findings or complications should also be documented.
- Specialties:Thoracic Surgery, Pulmonary Medicine
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center