2025 CPT code 32999
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Surgery - Other Procedures on the Lungs and Pleura Surgical Procedures on the Respiratory System Feed
Unlisted procedure on the lungs and pleura.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure and should align with payer specific guidelines.Consult the CPT manual and payer guidelines for proper modifier use.
Medical necessity must be clearly documented to justify the procedure and support reimbursement.The documentation must demonstrate that the procedure was medically necessary and appropriate for the patient's condition.
The physician's responsibility is to perform the unlisted procedure on the lungs and pleura, ensuring appropriate patient safety and achieving the desired clinical outcome.Thorough documentation is the physician's responsibility to ensure accurate billing.
- Surgical Procedures on the Respiratory System
- Surgical Procedures on the Respiratory System > Other Procedures on the Lungs and Pleura
In simple words: This code is used when a doctor does a procedure on your lungs or the lining around your lungs that doesn't have a specific billing code.The doctor will need to explain exactly what they did so the insurance company knows how much to pay.
CPT code 32999 represents unlisted procedures performed on the lungs and pleura.This code is used when no other specific CPT code accurately describes the procedure performed.It encompasses a wide range of interventions for various lung and pleural conditions, including tumors, infections, fluid accumulation, or other abnormalities.Detailed documentation, including the procedure performed, is crucial for appropriate reimbursement.
Example 1: A patient presents with a rare pleural lesion not easily accessible via standard approaches. The surgeon performs a minimally invasive procedure to excise the lesion, which doesn't fit within any existing CPT codes., A patient undergoes a complex lung biopsy involving a novel technique to access a deep-seated lesion. The procedure is distinct from existing CPT codes for standard biopsy methods., A patient requires an innovative surgical approach to manage a complex lung condition involving a combination of techniques and tissue resection that isn't described by any existing CPT code.
* Detailed operative report describing the procedure performed.* Justification for using code 32999 over any other more specific codes.* Preoperative and postoperative diagnoses.* Any relevant imaging studies.* Pathology report (if applicable).* Complete information on the complexity and time of the procedure.
** This code requires robust documentation to support medical necessity and justify the cost of the procedure.Failure to adequately document the procedure may lead to claim denials.
- Revenue Code: Depending on the specific procedure and place of service.Consult your payer's guidelines.
- RVU: The RVUs for this code will vary widely based on the specific procedure performed.The relative value units will not be uniform and will vary per payer.
- Global Days: The global period will depend entirely on the specific nature of the unlisted procedure.Consult the CPT manual and payer guidelines for guidance.
- Payment Status: Active, but requires detailed documentation for reimbursement.
- Modifier TC rule: The application of a TC modifier depends on the specifics of the unlisted procedure and whether the procedure has distinct professional and technical components.Guidance should be found in payer-specific documentation.
- Fee Schedule: Fee schedules for 32999 are not standardized and will vary significantly depending on the payer and specific details of the procedure.Individual payer guidelines should be consulted for pricing.
- Specialties:Thoracic Surgery, Pulmonary Medicine
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center