2025 CPT code 32670
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Respiratory System Surgery Feed
Surgical thoracoscopy with removal of two lobes (bilobectomy).
Modifiers may be necessary depending on the circumstances of the procedure.For example, modifier 59 might be used if the procedure is distinct from other services performed during the same session.Consult the CPT and payer guidelines for guidance.
Medical necessity for a bilobectomy is established based on the diagnosis and the extent of the disease.The procedure is typically medically necessary for lung cancer, severe emphysema, or other conditions affecting two lung lobes requiring surgical intervention.Pre-operative evaluation and documentation should justify the extent of the surgery.
Thoracic surgeon performs the procedure, requiring expertise in minimally invasive thoracic surgery.Responsibilities include pre-operative planning, surgical technique, intraoperative management, and post-operative care.
In simple words: This surgery uses small cuts in the chest to remove two sections of the lung. A tiny camera helps the surgeon see and operate.The surgeon removes the lung sections and closes the incisions. A tube is placed to help drain fluids and allow the lung to heal.
This procedure involves a surgical thoracoscopy, a minimally invasive approach, to remove two lobes of the lung (bilobectomy).The surgeon makes small incisions in the chest wall, inserts a thoracoscope (a thin tube with a camera), and uses specialized instruments to excise the targeted lung lobes.Bronchial tubes and blood vessels connected to the lobes are clamped, cut, and the lobes are removed. The surgical site is sutured, and a chest tube is typically inserted for drainage and lung re-expansion.
Example 1: A 65-year-old male patient diagnosed with lung cancer affecting two lobes of the right lung undergoes a VATS bilobectomy (32670) to remove the cancerous tissue.Preoperative imaging studies and biopsies confirm the extent of the disease., A 70-year-old female patient with severe emphysema in two lobes of the left lung undergoes a VATS bilobectomy (32670) for lung volume reduction.The procedure is performed to improve respiratory function., A 40-year-old male patient presents with a large bulla (an abnormal air sac in the lung) affecting two lobes.The surgeon elects to perform a VATS bilobectomy (32670) to remove the bulla and improve respiratory function.
* Thorough history and physical examination.* Pre-operative imaging studies (CT scan, chest X-ray).* Pathology reports confirming the diagnosis (if applicable).* Operative report detailing the procedure performed, including the specific lobes resected.* Post-operative imaging studies.* Notes documenting the patient's recovery and any complications.
** This code encompasses the complete surgical procedure.Additional codes might be necessary depending on the complexity or addition of other procedures.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: The TC modifier likely does not apply to this code, as it represents a complete surgical procedure.
- Specialties:Thoracic Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center