How To Use CPT Code 32556

CPT 32556 describes the percutaneous placement of an indwelling catheter for pleural drainage without the use of imaging guidance. 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 32556?

CPT 32556 can be used to describe the percutaneous placement of an indwelling catheter for pleural drainage without the use of imaging guidance. This code is used when a small tube is inserted through a small incision into the patient’s chest to allow for drainage.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 32556 is: ‘Pleural drainage, percutaneous, with insertion of indwelling catheter; without imaging guidance.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider injects a local anesthetic into the catheter insertion area after the patient is prepped.
2. A small incision is made between the ribs to pass the catheter through the skin.
3. The catheter is then passed into the chest without the use of imaging guidance.
4. The provider secures the tube in place, such as by using stitches.
5. The external end of the tube is connected to a suction drainage system.
6. The puncture site is dressed to ensure proper healing.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 32556 services are those who require pleural drainage and do not need imaging guidance for the placement of the indwelling catheter. The procedure is typically performed on patients with conditions affecting the pleura, which is the membrane lining the chest cavity and enveloping the lungs.

5. When to use CPT code 32556

CPT code 32556 should be used when a provider performs the percutaneous placement of an indwelling catheter for pleural drainage without the use of imaging guidance. It is important to note that this code represents a single catheter placed in a single side of the chest. If additional catheter placements are performed, appropriate modifiers should be used to indicate bilateral services.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 32556, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for pleural drainage and the need for the indwelling catheter
• Details of the procedure, including the date and time of the placement
• Specific location of the catheter insertion
• Confirmation that the procedure was performed without imaging guidance
• Any additional procedures performed in conjunction with the placement of the indwelling catheter
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 32556, ensure that the procedure was performed without the use of imaging guidance. It is important to note that this service does not require tunneling, which is the placement of a catheter with a cuff. If imaging guidance was used, a different code should be reported. Additionally, appropriate modifiers should be used to indicate bilateral services if multiple catheter placements were performed.

8. Historical information

CPT 32556 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2013. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs the percutaneous placement of an indwelling catheter for pleural drainage without the use of imaging guidance on a patient with pleural effusion.
2. A patient with pneumothorax undergoes the percutaneous placement of an indwelling catheter for pleural drainage without the use of imaging guidance.
3. A provider performs the percutaneous placement of an indwelling catheter for pleural drainage without the use of imaging guidance on a patient with hemothorax.
4. A patient with empyema undergoes the percutaneous placement of an indwelling catheter for pleural drainage without the use of imaging guidance.
5. A provider performs the percutaneous placement of an indwelling catheter for pleural drainage without the use of imaging guidance on a patient with chylothorax.
6. A patient with malignant pleural effusion undergoes the percutaneous placement of an indwelling catheter for pleural drainage without the use of imaging guidance.
7. A provider performs the percutaneous placement of an indwelling catheter for pleural drainage without the use of imaging guidance on a patient with mesothelioma.
8. A patient with pleural infection undergoes the percutaneous placement of an indwelling catheter for pleural drainage without the use of imaging guidance.
9. A provider performs the percutaneous placement of an indwelling catheter for pleural drainage without the use of imaging guidance on a patient with pleural metastasis.
10. A patient with pleural effusion due to congestive heart failure undergoes the percutaneous placement of an indwelling catheter for pleural drainage without the use of imaging guidance.