2025 CPT code 32551
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Introduction and Removal Procedures on the Lungs and Pleura Surgical Procedures on the Respiratory System Feed
Open tube thoracostomy; insertion of a chest tube into the pleural cavity via an open incision, for drainage of fluid or air.
Modifiers 50 (bilateral procedure), 51 (multiple procedures), 59 (distinct procedural service), and others may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure.
Medical necessity is established when the patient has a clinically significant condition requiring chest tube placement for drainage of air or fluid from the pleural space to restore adequate respiratory function.Conditions such as pneumothorax, hemothorax, pleural effusion, and empyema are examples of circumstances that would justify the procedure.
The physician is responsible for the entire procedure, including pre-operative assessment, incision, insertion of the chest tube, connection to the drainage system, and post-operative monitoring.
- Surgical Procedures on the Respiratory System
- Surgical Procedures on the Respiratory System > Introduction and Removal Procedures on the Lungs and Pleura
In simple words: The doctor makes an open cut in the chest wall to insert a plastic tube into the space around the lungs to drain fluid or air. This is done to treat conditions such as collapsed lung or fluid buildup around the lungs.
This CPT code, 32551, reports the open insertion of a chest tube into the pleural cavity through an open incision.The procedure involves creating an incision, accessing the pleural space, and inserting a chest tube to drain fluid or air.It includes connecting the tube to a drainage system, such as a water seal. This is considered a separate procedure and is not typically bundled with other thoracic procedures unless performed on the contralateral side or through a separate incision.
Example 1: A patient presents to the emergency room with a large pneumothorax (collapsed lung) following a traumatic injury. The physician performs an open thoracostomy (32551) to insert a chest tube to re-expand the lung., A patient is diagnosed with a pleural effusion (fluid buildup around the lungs).The physician performs an open thoracostomy (32551) to insert a chest tube to drain the fluid., A patient undergoes a thoracotomy (open chest surgery) for another reason, and during the procedure, a significant amount of blood collects in the pleural space, necessitating the placement of a chest tube via an open incision.
** The size and type of chest tube used may vary depending on the clinical situation.The documentation should clearly specify the type of incision and the location of tube placement.This procedure is typically performed by a surgeon or other qualified medical professional.
- Revenue Code: P6C (Minor Procedures - Other)
- RVU: The RVUs for this code will vary depending on the geographic location and payer. Consult the relevant fee schedule for the specific RVU values.
- Global Days: Not applicable. This is not a global procedure.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.There is no technical component for this procedure.
- Fee Schedule: Historical fee schedule data is not available here. Consult specific payer fee schedules for historical payment rates.
- Specialties:Thoracic Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Pulmonary Medicine, Emergency Medicine
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center