2025 CPT code 32480
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgical Procedures on the Respiratory System - Lung Resection Surgery Feed
Removal of a single lobe of the lung (lobectomy).
Modifiers may be applicable based on the circumstances of the procedure (e.g., 59 for a distinct procedural service, 51 for multiple procedures).Consult the CPT manual and payer specific guidelines for modifier use.
Medical necessity for a lobectomy is established through documentation of a clinically significant condition affecting a single lung lobe (cancer, severe infection, trauma, etc.) that requires surgical removal to improve the patient's health or quality of life.Justification needs to include the diagnosis, the extent of the disease, and a discussion of less invasive alternatives and their limitations.
The surgeon is responsible for the entire procedure, including pre-operative assessment, surgical removal of the lung lobe, postoperative care, and follow-up.
In simple words: The doctor removes one section (lobe) of the lung through an incision in the chest. This is often done to remove cancerous tumors or treat other lung conditions.
This procedure involves the surgical removal of one lobe of the lung.Access to the lobe may be via thoracotomy (large incision between ribs) or sternotomy (vertical incision through the sternum). The lobar vessels and bronchus are clamped, divided, and ligated to separate the lobe. The lobe is excised and removed; the remaining lobes are re-expanded. Chest tubes are placed for drainage, and incisions are closed in layers.
Example 1: A 65-year-old male patient diagnosed with stage IA non-small cell lung cancer confined to the right upper lobe undergoes a right upper lobectomy. , A 72-year-old female patient with a large benign lung tumor in the left lower lobe undergoes a left lower lobectomy. , A 48-year-old patient with severe tuberculosis affecting the right middle lobe undergoes a right middle lobectomy.
Preoperative diagnostic imaging (CT scan, MRI), pathology report confirming the diagnosis and extent of the disease, intraoperative findings, operative notes detailing the surgical technique used, postoperative pathology report, and postoperative recovery notes.
** The choice between open thoracotomy and VATS lobectomy depends on several factors, including the size and location of the tumor, the patient's overall health, and surgeon preference.Always adhere to payer specific guidelines for reimbursement and accurate coding.
- Revenue Code: P1G (MAJOR PROCEDURE - OTHER)
- RVU: This information is not available in provided sources.Consult the current year's Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for RVU values.
- Global Days: The global period for this procedure varies depending on the complexity and the facility.Consult your specific payer's guidelines.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: The Technical Component (TC) modifier is not applicable to 32480, as it is a comprehensive procedure.
- Fee Schedule: Fee schedule data is not available within the provided sources. Consult your payer's fee schedule.
- Specialties:Thoracic Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Pulmonary Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center