How To Use CPT Code 32110

CPT 32110 describes a surgical procedure that involves making an incision into the chest to control traumatic hemorrhage and/or repair a tear in the lung. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 32110?

CPT 32110 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure that involves making an incision into the chest to control traumatic hemorrhage and/or repair a tear in the lung. This procedure is typically performed by a healthcare provider when there is significant bleeding or damage to the lung that requires immediate attention.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 32110 is: ‘Thoracotomy; with control of traumatic hemorrhage and/or repair of lung tear.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares the patient for the procedure, ensuring they are properly prepped and anesthetized.
2. An incision is made in the thoracic cavity to gain access to the organs, including the heart, lungs, esophagus, thoracic aorta, and anterior spine.
3. The provider may perform a major thoracotomy for exploratory purposes to determine a diagnosis or assess the extent of injury or damage.
4. The most common approaches for lung procedures are the posterolateral thoracotomy and anterolateral thoracotomy.
5. If a posterolateral incision is used, it starts at the sternum and goes across to the side until it reaches the back. An anterolateral incision starts at the sternum and goes across to the side just under the armpit.
6. The provider may use rib spreaders to widen the opening and gain better access to the affected area.
7. The provider then performs the necessary steps to control the traumatic hemorrhage and/or repair the tear in the lung.
8. After the procedure, one or more chest drains may be placed to help re-expand the lungs and allow for drainage of air, blood, or fluid.
9. The incision is closed in layers, typically with stitches.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 32110 is used when a healthcare provider performs a thoracotomy to control traumatic hemorrhage and/or repair a tear in the lung. This procedure is typically performed in cases of significant bleeding or damage to the lung that requires immediate attention. It is important to note that this code is specific to the control of traumatic hemorrhage and repair of lung tear, and should not be used for other thoracotomy procedures.

5. When to use CPT code 32110

CPT code 32110 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a thoracotomy specifically for the purpose of controlling traumatic hemorrhage and/or repairing a tear in the lung. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the criteria outlined in the official description of the code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 32110, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the procedure, such as significant bleeding or lung tear
• Details of the procedure performed, including the approach used and any additional steps taken
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any complications or unexpected findings during the procedure
• Details of any chest drains placed
• Method of closure for the incision
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 32110, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria outlined in the official description of the code. It is important to accurately document the details of the procedure and any additional steps taken. CPT code 32110 should not be reported with other codes unless they are performed in conjunction with the thoracotomy for control of traumatic hemorrhage and/or repair of lung tear.

8. Historical information

CPT 32110 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code underwent a change on January 1, 2012, with the description being updated to include the repair of lung tear. It is important to stay updated with any changes or revisions to the code.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs a thoracotomy to control traumatic hemorrhage in a patient who has sustained a severe chest injury in a car accident.
2. A patient with a tear in the lung due to a fall undergoes a thoracotomy for repair by a skilled surgeon.
3. A healthcare provider performs a thoracotomy to control bleeding and repair a lung tear in a patient who has been stabbed in the chest.
4. A thoracic surgeon performs a thoracotomy to control hemorrhage and repair a lung tear in a patient with a gunshot wound to the chest.
5. A patient with a tear in the lung due to a sports-related injury undergoes a thoracotomy for repair by a skilled cardiothoracic surgeon.
6. A healthcare provider performs a thoracotomy to control bleeding and repair a lung tear in a patient involved in a workplace accident.
7. A patient with a tear in the lung due to a fall from a height undergoes a thoracotomy for repair by a skilled thoracic surgeon.
8. A healthcare provider performs a thoracotomy to control hemorrhage and repair a lung tear in a patient involved in a motorcycle accident.
9. A patient with a tear in the lung due to a physical assault undergoes a thoracotomy for repair by a skilled cardiothoracic surgeon.
10. A healthcare provider performs a thoracotomy to control bleeding and repair a lung tear in a patient who has sustained a chest injury in a sporting event.