2025 CPT code 32601
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Respiratory System Feed
Thoracoscopy, diagnostic (separate procedure); lungs, pericardial sac, mediastinal or pleural space, without biopsy.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure.
Medical necessity must be established for the procedure.The documentation should support the need for a diagnostic thoracoscopy, and less invasive procedures should be ruled out.
The physician prepares the patient and administers anesthesia.An incision is made between the ribs, and the thoracoscope is inserted into the thoracic cavity. The physician then examines the relevant structures using the camera on the thoracoscope. Chest drains may be placed if necessary.The incision is then closed.
In simple words: A procedure where a small camera is inserted into the chest cavity to examine the lungs and surrounding areas.
This code describes a diagnostic thoracoscopy performed without a biopsy.A thoracoscopy involves the insertion of a thoracoscope, a type of endoscope, into the pleural cavity to examine the lungs, pericardial sac, mediastinal or pleural space. This is considered a separate procedure and is not reported when performed as part of another procedure, such as thoracoscopic lung or pleural biopsy.
Example 1: A patient presents with unexplained pleural effusion.Diagnostic thoracoscopy (32601) is performed to evaluate the pleural space and determine the cause of the effusion., A patient with a history of lung cancer presents with chest pain.Diagnostic thoracoscopy (32601) is performed to rule out metastatic disease., A patient with a pericardial effusion undergoes diagnostic thoracoscopy (32601) to visualize the pericardium and surrounding structures.
Documentation should include the reason for the procedure, operative details, findings, and any complications.If chest drains are placed, details regarding their placement and purpose should also be documented.
- Revenue Code: P8I
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Thoracic Surgery, Pulmonary Medicine
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center