How To Use CPT Code 32160

CPT 32160 describes the procedure of thoracotomy with cardiac massage. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 32160?

CPT 32160 is a code that represents the surgical procedure of thoracotomy with cardiac massage. It involves creating an incision in the patient’s chest cavity to perform manual cardiac massage in cases of cardiac arrest. This procedure is performed by a healthcare provider to maintain blood circulation during a cardiac or pulmonary arrest.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 32160 is: ‘Thoracotomy; with cardiac massage.’ This code is used when a provider performs a surgical opening or incision in the thoracic cavity to gain access to the organs, including the heart, lungs, esophagus, thoracic aorta, and anterior spine. The provider then performs internal cardiac massage by using two hands to squeeze the heart using rhythmic compressions.

3. Procedure

1. When performing a thoracotomy with cardiac massage, the healthcare provider first ensures that the patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider then creates a surgical opening or incision in the thoracic cavity, using one of several approaches such as median sternotomy, posterolateral thoracotomy, anterolateral thoracotomy, or clamshell thoracotomy.
3. Once the provider gains access to the heart, they perform internal cardiac massage by using two hands to squeeze the heart using rhythmic compressions. This helps maintain blood circulation during a cardiac or pulmonary arrest.
4. After performing the surgical procedure, the provider may place one or more chest drains to allow for drainage of air, blood, or fluid. The incision is then closed in layers using stitches.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Thoracotomy with cardiac massage is performed in cases of cardiac arrest, where there is a cessation of blood circulation due to the failure of the heart to contract. This procedure is necessary to maintain blood circulation and provide life-saving measures. It is typically performed by a qualified healthcare provider who has the necessary skills and training to perform the procedure safely and effectively.

5. When to use CPT code 32160

CPT code 32160 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a thoracotomy with cardiac massage. This code is appropriate when the provider creates an incision in the patient’s chest cavity to perform manual cardiac massage during a cardiac or pulmonary arrest. It is important to accurately document the procedure and use the correct CPT code to ensure proper billing and reimbursement.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 32160, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the procedure, such as cardiac arrest
• Details of the surgical approach used for the thoracotomy
• Description of the cardiac massage performed, including the duration and technique used
• Placement of any chest drains and their purpose
• Closure of the incision and any additional procedures performed
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 32160, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for cardiac massage during a thoracotomy. The healthcare provider should use the appropriate CPT code based on the specific procedure performed. It is also important to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by insurance companies or payers to ensure accurate reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT code 32160 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been historical changes to the code, including a code change on January 1, 2012, where the description was updated to ‘Thoracotomy, major; with cardiac massage.’ Additionally, it was added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare in 2017.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs a thoracotomy with cardiac massage on a patient who experiences cardiac arrest during surgery.
2. In an emergency department, a healthcare provider performs a thoracotomy with cardiac massage on a patient who arrives with a sudden cardiac arrest.
3. During a surgical procedure, a healthcare provider performs a thoracotomy with cardiac massage to maintain blood circulation in a patient who experiences a cardiac arrest.
4. In a trauma center, a healthcare provider performs a thoracotomy with cardiac massage on a patient who suffers from severe chest trauma and goes into cardiac arrest.
5. A healthcare provider performs a thoracotomy with cardiac massage on a patient in a cardiac catheterization lab who experiences a cardiac arrest during a procedure.
6. During a cardiac surgery, a healthcare provider performs a thoracotomy with cardiac massage to maintain blood circulation while the heart is temporarily stopped.
7. In an intensive care unit, a healthcare provider performs a thoracotomy with cardiac massage on a patient who experiences a sudden cardiac arrest.
8. A healthcare provider performs a thoracotomy with cardiac massage on a patient in a cardiac rehabilitation center who goes into cardiac arrest during exercise.
9. During a surgical procedure for lung cancer, a healthcare provider performs a thoracotomy with cardiac massage to maintain blood circulation during the surgery.
10. In a cardiac electrophysiology lab, a healthcare provider performs a thoracotomy with cardiac massage on a patient who experiences a cardiac arrest during a procedure to treat arrhythmia.