2025 CPT code 32672
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Respiratory System Surgery Feed
Thoracoscopic surgical resection and plication for emphysematous lung in lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS), unilateral; includes any pleural procedure.
Modifier 50 (bilateral procedure), 59 (distinct procedural service) may be applicable depending on the specific circumstances.
Medical necessity for LVRS is determined based on the severity of emphysema, respiratory symptoms, and the patient's response to conservative treatment measures.The procedure is typically indicated for patients with severe emphysema who meet specific criteria outlined in national coverage determinations (NCDs) by CMS. The procedure should only be performed in appropriately equipped facilities with experienced thoracic surgeons.
Thoracic surgeon performs the procedure.Preoperative evaluation, intraoperative care, and postoperative management are the responsibilities of the surgeon and potentially other healthcare professionals depending on the complexity and patient's condition.
In simple words: This surgery uses a small incision and a thin, lighted tube (thoracoscope) to remove a portion of a diseased lung, improving breathing for people with severe emphysema.The surgeon removes the damaged parts of the lung to make the remaining lung work better.This helps people breathe more easily.
This CPT code, 32672, represents a unilateral thoracoscopic surgical procedure involving resection and plication of emphysematous lung tissue (both bullous and non-bullous types) as part of a lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS). The procedure is performed via thoracoscopy and encompasses any necessary pleural procedures.The code is specifically for unilateral procedures; modifier 50 should be added for bilateral procedures.It includes the removal of approximately 30-40% of the diseased lung tissue to improve respiratory function in patients with moderate to severe emphysema. Endoscopic stapling techniques are typically used to precisely excise the diseased lung tissue while preserving healthy tissue.
Example 1: A 65-year-old male patient with severe bullous emphysema and significant dyspnea undergoes a unilateral VATS LVRS (32672).The surgeon resects approximately 35% of the right upper lobe, improving respiratory mechanics.The patient demonstrates improved pulmonary function post-operatively., A 70-year-old female patient presents with moderate to severe non-bullous emphysema. She is a candidate for bilateral VATS LVRS.The surgeon performs the procedure bilaterally, reporting 32672 with modifier 50.Post-operative recovery is uneventful, and the patient reports significant improvement in dyspnea., A 68-year-old male patient with a history of smoking undergoes a unilateral VATS LVRS (32672) which includes resection and plication of the emphysematous lung.During the procedure, the surgeon addresses a small pleural adhesion, which is included in the code.
Preoperative assessment including pulmonary function tests, imaging (CT scan), and patient history. Detailed operative report documenting the type of emphysema, extent of resection, and any additional procedures performed (pleural procedures). Postoperative assessment, including pulmonary function tests and imaging to evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure.
** Code 32672 is inclusive of any pleural procedures performed during the LVRS.Careful review of the operative report is crucial for accurate coding.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Thoracic Surgery
- Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Inpatient Hospital