How To Use CPT Code 32562

CPT code 32562 describes the instillation of an agent via a chest tube or catheter to dissolve fibrin proteins in the patient’s chest. 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 32562?

CPT 32562 involves the injection of an agent into the patient’s chest through a chest tube or catheter to dissolve fibrin proteins. This code represents all related services provided on each day of treatment after the initial day.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 32562 is: ‘Instillation(s), via chest tube/catheter, agent for fibrinolysis (eg, fibrinolytic agent for break up of multiloculated effusion); subsequent day.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider ensures the patient is in the proper position and checks the indwelling chest tube or catheter.
2. The provider clamps the tube or catheter and carefully disconnects it from the drainage hose.
3. The fibrinolytic agent is injected into the tube or catheter after clamp removal, allowing the agent to move into the chest cavity.
4. The provider puts the clamp back on the tube or catheter and moves the patient into various positions over a couple of hours to distribute the agent within the chest cavity.
5. The clamp is removed, and suction is restarted.
6. This process may be repeated multiple times during the day.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 32562 is used when a healthcare provider instills an agent via a chest tube or catheter to dissolve fibrin proteins in a patient’s chest. This procedure is typically performed on patients with multiloculated effusion, which refers to fluid located in multiple fixed pockets in the patient’s anatomy.

5. When to use CPT code 32562

CPT code 32562 should be used when the provider performs instillation services on each subsequent day after the initial day of treatment. It is important to note that CPT code 32561 should be used to report services on the initial day of treatment.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 32562, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for fibrinolysis instillation
• Details of the instillation procedure, including the agent used and the method of administration
• Date of service and the number of subsequent days of treatment
• Any complications or adverse reactions observed
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the service

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 32562, ensure that the instillation services are provided on subsequent days after the initial day of treatment. It is important to use a single unit of this code to represent all fibrinolysis instillations performed on each subsequent day. CPT code 32561 should be used to report services on the initial day of treatment. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT code 32562 with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT code 32562 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2010. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs instillation of a fibrinolytic agent via a chest tube for a patient with multiloculated effusion on the second day of treatment.
2. On the third day of treatment, a provider administers an agent through a catheter to dissolve fibrin proteins in a patient’s chest.
3. A healthcare provider performs multiple instillations of a fibrinolytic agent via a chest tube on the fourth day of treatment for a patient with multiloculated effusion.
4. During the fifth day of treatment, a provider injects an agent into a patient’s chest through a catheter to break up fibrin proteins.
5. A healthcare provider performs instillation services via a chest tube to dissolve fibrin proteins in a patient’s chest on the sixth day of treatment.
6. On the seventh day of treatment, a provider administers an agent through a catheter to break up fibrin in a patient’s chest.
7. A healthcare provider performs multiple instillations of a fibrinolytic agent via a chest tube on the eighth day of treatment for a patient with multiloculated effusion.
8. During the ninth day of treatment, a provider injects an agent into a patient’s chest through a catheter to dissolve fibrin proteins.
9. A healthcare provider performs instillation services via a chest tube to break up fibrin proteins in a patient’s chest on the tenth day of treatment.
10. On the eleventh day of treatment, a provider administers an agent through a catheter to dissolve fibrin in a patient’s chest.