2025 CPT code 32552
Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Respiratory System Feed
Removal of indwelling tunneled pleural catheter with cuff.
Modifiers may be applicable in certain situations. For example, modifier -52 may be used if the procedure is reduced in service. Modifier 59 may be used if two procedures in the same family are performed at the same session.
Medical necessity for removal of the catheter should be documented, indicating that the catheter is no longer needed for fluid drainage or is causing complications.
The physician is responsible for assessing the patient's suitability for catheter removal, performing the procedure under local anesthesia, managing any complications, and providing post-procedure care.
In simple words: The doctor removes a small tube that was placed under your skin and into the space around your lungs to drain fluid.This tube is designed to stay in place for a while, and it has a small band under the skin to hold it. The doctor numbs the area, makes a tiny cut, takes the tube out, and cleans the area.
This procedure involves the removal of a previously placed indwelling tunneled pleural catheter, which has a cuff located beneath the skin to secure it in place.The catheter is typically used for draining fluid from the pleural space. The physician numbs the area with local anesthetic, makes a small incision, frees the catheter, and gently removes it. The incision is then cleaned and dressed.
Example 1: A patient with a recurrent pleural effusion has an indwelling tunneled pleural catheter placed for drainage. After the effusion resolves, the catheter is removed using code 32552., A patient with a malignant pleural effusion has a tunneled pleural catheter placed for palliative fluid management. When the catheter is no longer needed or is malfunctioning, it is removed using code 32552., A patient develops a pneumothorax and has a tunneled pleural catheter inserted for drainage. Once the lung has re-expanded, the catheter is removed using 32552.
Documentation should include the reason for catheter removal, the procedure performed, any complications encountered, and post-procedure instructions.
- Revenue Code: P6C
- Specialties:Pulmonary Medicine, Thoracic Surgery
- Place of Service:Physician's Office, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center