2025 CPT code 32998
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Other Procedures on the Lungs and Pleura Surgery Feed
Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of one or more pulmonary tumors, including pleura or chest wall if involved by tumor extension, unilateral.
Modifier 50 (Bilateral Procedure) may be applicable depending on payer guidelines if the procedure is performed bilaterally.Modifier 59 (Distinct Procedural Service) may be needed in certain situations.Always consult payer-specific guidelines.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of a pulmonary tumor or tumor(s) that poses a significant clinical risk and is amenable to radiofrequency ablation. The procedure should be considered when surgery is deemed too risky or when other treatment modalities are ineffective. Specific criteria for medical necessity may vary by payer.
The physician or qualified healthcare professional performs the percutaneous radiofrequency ablation under appropriate anesthesia and sterile conditions.This includes creating a small incision to access the tumor site, inserting the needle electrode, applying radiofrequency energy to destroy the tumor cells, and closing the incision.
In simple words: This procedure uses a thin needle inserted through the skin to destroy lung tumors using heat generated by radio waves.It's done on one side of the body only. Imaging may be used to guide the needle.
This code reports percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the reduction or eradication of one or more pulmonary tumors.The procedure may include the pleura or chest wall if involved by tumor extension. Imaging guidance (such as CT, MRI, or ultrasound) is included in the code if performed. The procedure is unilateral.
Example 1: A 65-year-old male presents with a single lung nodule detected on a CT scan.A percutaneous radiofrequency ablation is performed using ultrasound guidance to destroy the tumor., A 72-year-old female with multiple small lung tumors undergoes a percutaneous radiofrequency ablation procedure guided by CT imaging. The procedure involves ablating multiple lesions in the right lung., A 58-year-old male patient with a pleural tumor extending into the lung undergoes a percutaneous radiofrequency ablation utilizing fluoroscopy for guidance.
Detailed history and physical examination, including imaging studies (CT, MRI, or ultrasound) showing the location and size of the tumor(s). Pre-procedure consent form. Intraoperative images showing needle placement and treatment of tumor(s). Pathology report confirming tumor destruction if tissue is obtained. Post-procedure imaging confirming ablation success.
** This procedure may be performed in conjunction with other procedures. Always verify the appropriate coding guidelines with your payer to ensure accurate billing and reimbursement.
- Revenue Code: P1G (MAJOR PROCEDURE - OTHER)
- RVU: The provided sources list RVUs as 9.03 with varying payment amounts depending on the facility and payer.These values are subject to change and should be verified with the current fee schedule.
- Global Days: Information on global surgical days is not available from the provided sources.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: This procedure does not involve a technical component (TC) modifier.
- Fee Schedule: Fee schedules vary by payer and year. The sources list various payments from different sources. Always check the current fee schedule for accurate information.
- Specialties:Thoracic Surgery, Interventional Radiology, Pulmonology, Oncology
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital (Inpatient and Outpatient), Ambulatory Surgery Center