2025 CPT code 32997
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Respiratory System Surgery Feed
Total lung lavage (unilateral).This procedure involves washing out one lung using saline solution via bronchoscopy.
Modifiers may apply depending on the circumstances of the service, such as bilateral procedures (modifier 50) or multiple procedures (modifier 51).Consult the current CPT coding manual for specific guidelines.
Medical necessity for total lung lavage must be established based on clinical findings suggesting infection, malignancy, or a specific condition such as pulmonary alveolar proteinosis.The procedure should only be undertaken when less invasive diagnostic measures have failed to provide a definitive diagnosis or when a therapeutic intervention is warranted.
The clinical responsibility involves preparing the patient, administering anesthesia, inserting the bronchoscope, examining airways, instilling and suctioning saline solution, and sending specimens for laboratory analysis.The procedure requires expertise in bronchoscopy and respiratory care.
In simple words: This procedure cleans one lung using salt water and a thin tube inserted through the nose or mouth. The doctor uses a machine to help the patient breathe while one lung is temporarily isolated. The salt water washes out the lung, and the fluid is then checked in a lab to help diagnose problems like infection or cancer.
Total lung lavage (unilateral) is a procedure where one lung is washed out using a saline solution introduced via a bronchoscope.The patient is typically under general anesthesia and mechanical ventilation is used. One lung is isolated from the oxygen supply while the bronchoscope is advanced to the affected lung. Saline solution is instilled to degas the lung and then the lung is washed. The fluid is then suctioned and sent for laboratory analysis. This procedure is commonly used to diagnose infections or lung cancer, and to treat certain lung diseases.
Example 1: A patient presents with suspected pneumonia. Total lung lavage is performed to obtain a sample for culture and sensitivity testing to identify the infecting organism and guide antibiotic therapy., A patient with a history of smoking and persistent cough undergoes total lung lavage to evaluate for lung cancer.The lavage fluid is sent for cytological examination., A patient diagnosed with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis undergoes total lung lavage as a therapeutic intervention to remove excess protein from the alveoli.
* Detailed history and physical examination documenting the indication for the procedure.* Documentation of the bronchoscopic findings, including the presence of any abnormalities.* Lab reports for analysis of the lavage fluid (culture, sensitivity, cytology).* Anesthesia record.* Operative report outlining the technique and any complications encountered.
** Use of this code requires careful consideration of the clinical scenario to ensure accurate reporting.The procedure should be differentiated from bronchoscopic bronchial alveolar lavage (31624). The number of units billed depends on whether the procedure is performed unilaterally or bilaterally.
- Revenue Code: P1G (MAJOR PROCEDURE - OTHER)
- RVU: Further information needed from a reliable fee schedule source.
- Global Days : Further information needed from a reliable fee schedule source.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Further information needed from a reliable fee schedule source.
- Fee Schedule : Further information needed from a reliable fee schedule source.
- Specialties:Pulmonology, Thoracic Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center