2025 CPT code 32482
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Respiratory System Feed
Removal of two lobes of a lung (bilobectomy), excluding total pneumonectomy.
Modifiers may be applicable in specific circumstances, such as modifier -59 (Distinct Procedural Service) if performed in conjunction with other procedures in a different lobe or lung. Always consult current coding guidelines for appropriate modifier usage.
Medical necessity must be established for bilobectomy, demonstrating the clinical justification for removing the affected lobes. This typically involves imaging studies, pulmonary function tests, and other clinical findings supporting the diagnosis and indicating the need for surgical intervention.
The surgeon is responsible for the entire surgical process, including pre-operative planning, performing the bilobectomy, postoperative care, and managing any complications.
In simple words: The surgeon removes two lobes of the right lung.This is a major operation where the chest is opened to access the lung. The surgeon makes an incision, and may spread the ribs for better access. After removing the lobes, the incision is carefully closed.
This code describes a surgical procedure involving the removal of two lobes of the lung, specifically designed for the right lung which has three lobes. This procedure is distinct from a pneumonectomy (removal of an entire lung) and is performed through an incision in the chest, either via thoracotomy or sternotomy.A rib spreader may be used for better access, and the incision is closed with staples or stitches. For sternotomy, the ribcage halves are wired back together. It is not appropriate for left lung removal which only has two lobes; a pneumonectomy code would be used instead.
Example 1: A patient with lung cancer affecting two lobes of the right lung undergoes bilobectomy to remove the cancerous tissue., A patient with a large benign tumor in two lobes of the right lung requires a bilobectomy for its removal., A patient with severe bronchiectasis localized to two lobes of the right lung may benefit from bilobectomy to improve lung function.
Documentation should include operative report detailing the procedure, pre- and post-operative diagnoses, pathology reports confirming the diagnosis requiring surgery, and any complications encountered.
** As of December 1st, 2024, this information is current, but medical coding regulations and guidelines can change. Always verify with the latest coding resources.
- RVU: Work RVU 17.62 (2022 data from CMS Physician Fee Schedule)
- Global Days: Inpatient only procedure. Global days are variable and depend on the specific payer policies.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable
- Fee Schedule: Fee schedules vary by year and payer. Consult historical CMS Physician Fee Schedules for specific years.
- Specialties:Thoracic Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital