How To Use CPT Code 32551

CPT 32551 describes the procedure of tube thoracostomy, which involves the insertion of a plastic tube into the chest cavity to remove fluids and/or air. 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 32551?

CPT 32551 is used to describe the procedure of tube thoracostomy, which involves the insertion of a plastic tube into the chest cavity to remove fluids and/or air. This code is used when the provider performs an open cutdown incision on the chest wall near the fifth intercostal space and enters the pleural cavity to insert the tube.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 32551 is: ‘Tube thoracostomy, includes connection to drainage system (eg, water seal), when performed, open (separate procedure).’ It is important to note that this code should not be reported in conjunction with codes 33020 and 33025 if a pleural drain/chest tube is placed on the same side.

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient and administers anesthesia.
2. A trocar is used to make an incision on the chest wall near the fifth intercostal space.
3. The provider enters the pleural cavity and inserts a hollow plastic tube between the ribs and into the chest.
4. The tube is used to draw out fluid or air from and around the lungs.
5. The provider sutures the skin to keep the tube in place.
6. If necessary, the provider may attach the free end of the tube to an underwater seal, which allows drainage of fluid and air from the chest.
7. The provider may use this procedure in cases of pneumothorax and pleural effusion.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 32551 is performed when there is a need to remove fluids and/or air from the chest cavity. This procedure is typically used in cases of pneumothorax and pleural effusion. It is important to note that this code should not be reported in conjunction with codes 33020 and 33025 if a pleural drain/chest tube is placed on the same side.

5. When to use CPT code 32551

CPT code 32551 should be used when the provider performs a tube thoracostomy procedure, which involves the insertion of a plastic tube into the chest cavity to remove fluids and/or air. This code should not be reported in conjunction with codes 33020 and 33025 if a pleural drain/chest tube is placed on the same side.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 32551, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for performing the tube thoracostomy procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the location of the incision and the insertion of the tube
• Any additional procedures performed, such as the attachment of an underwater seal
• Any complications or adverse events that occurred during or after the procedure
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 32551, ensure that the procedure is performed as a separate procedure and is not integral to another procedure. This code should not be reported in conjunction with codes 33020 and 33025 if a pleural drain/chest tube is placed on the same side. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer when submitting claims for this procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 32551 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2008. There have been no updates to the code since its addition. Prior to 2013, the code description included the mention of a water seal for abscess, hemothorax, and empyema.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs a tube thoracostomy to remove fluid from the chest cavity of a patient with pleural effusion.
2. A patient presents with a pneumothorax, and the provider performs a tube thoracostomy to remove air from the chest cavity.
3. A provider performs a tube thoracostomy to drain an abscess in the chest cavity.
4. A patient undergoes a tube thoracostomy to remove fluid and air from the chest cavity after a traumatic injury.
5. A provider performs a tube thoracostomy to treat a patient with empyema.
6. A patient with a history of recurrent pneumothorax undergoes a tube thoracostomy to prevent future episodes.
7. A provider performs a tube thoracostomy to drain a hemothorax in a patient who experienced chest trauma.
8. A patient with a large pleural effusion undergoes a tube thoracostomy to relieve symptoms and improve breathing.
9. A provider performs a tube thoracostomy to remove air from the chest cavity in a patient with a tension pneumothorax.
10. A patient with a history of lung cancer undergoes a tube thoracostomy to drain fluid from the chest cavity.