2025 CPT code 32507
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Thoracic Surgery Surgery Feed
Thoracotomy with diagnostic wedge resection followed by anatomic lung resection.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure. Consult the CPT manual for guidance on modifier usage.
Medical necessity for code 32507 is established when there is a clinically significant lung lesion (mass, nodule) requiring diagnostic evaluation and potential resection. The decision to proceed with a more extensive resection is based on intraoperative pathology findings indicating malignancy or other serious conditions.
The surgeon is responsible for performing the thoracotomy, wedge resection, and subsequent lung resection. Anesthesiologists and other surgical team members also play roles in patient care and the procedure itself.
In simple words: The doctor makes a surgical cut in the chest to remove a small piece of lung tissue for testing.Based on the test results, a larger portion of the lung is then removed during the same operation.
This CPT code 32507 represents an add-on procedure involving a thoracotomy (surgical incision into the chest cavity).A diagnostic wedge resection of lung tissue is performed, followed by a more extensive, anatomically defined lung resection during the same operative session. The initial wedge resection provides a tissue sample for intraoperative pathology consultation to guide the extent of the subsequent, more extensive resection. This code is reported in addition to the code for the primary, more extensive lung resection procedure (e.g., lobectomy, segmentectomy).
Example 1: A patient presents with a suspicious lung nodule detected on imaging.A thoracotomy is performed, and a wedge resection of the nodule is sent for frozen section analysis. The intraoperative pathology report reveals malignancy, leading to a subsequent lobectomy to remove the cancerous tissue and surrounding lung., A patient with a known lung mass undergoes a VATS procedure. A diagnostic wedge biopsy is performed, and frozen section indicates malignancy.The surgeon then proceeds with a VATS lobectomy., A patient with a history of lung cancer has a suspicious area identified on imaging.An open thoracotomy is performed. A diagnostic wedge biopsy confirms recurrent cancer; therefore, a segmentectomy is performed to resect the recurrent cancer.
* Preoperative imaging (e.g., CT scan, MRI) showing the location of the lesion.* Operative report detailing the procedure, including the size and location of the wedge resection and the extent of the subsequent lung resection.* Pathology report confirming the diagnosis and describing the margins of resection.* Anesthesia records.* Medical records documenting the indication for surgery and the patient's overall clinical status.
** Code 32507 is an add-on code and should only be reported with a primary procedure code for a more extensive lung resection. It is essential to have complete and accurate documentation supporting medical necessity for both the initial diagnostic wedge resection and the subsequent more extensive resection.
- Global Days: The global period is dependent on the primary procedure performed in conjunction with this add-on code.Refer to guidelines for the primary procedure for details on the global period.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: A technical component (TC) modifier is not applicable to this add-on code.
- Specialties:Thoracic Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center