How To Use CPT Code 32607

CPT 32607 describes a thoracoscopy procedure that involves the use of video-assisted endoscopic approach to examine the lungs and pleura. 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 32607?

CPT 32607 is a code used to describe a thoracoscopy procedure that involves the use of video-assisted endoscopic approach to examine the lungs and pleura. This procedure allows the provider to visualize the inside of the patient’s chest and identify any abnormal substances, such as fluid, pus, or cells, filling a portion of the lung. The provider may take one or more samples of these abnormal substances for diagnostic examination.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 32607 is: ‘Thoracoscopy; with diagnostic biopsy(ies) of lung infiltrate(s) (eg, wedge, incisional), unilateral.’ It is important to note that this code should not be reported more than once per lung and should not be reported in conjunction with other specific codes related to lung procedures.

3. Procedure

1. After the patient is prepped, draped, and anesthetized, the provider may direct an anesthesiologist to collapse one lung and ventilate the other for the procedure.
2. The provider makes a small incision and inserts a thoracoscope with a camera to examine the lung area.
3. Additional small incisions are made, and specialized instruments are inserted to free any adhesions between the lung and chest wall.
4. The provider identifies the area of infiltrate for biopsy and uses instruments, such as special staplers, to remove a small piece of lung for diagnostic examination.
5. Additional samples may be taken from the same lung during the same session.
6. A chest tube is placed to aid with drainage, and the provider checks the lung for proper expansion as it re-inflates.
7. The instruments are removed, leaving the chest tube in place, and the wounds are closed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 32607 is typically performed on patients who have abnormal substances, such as fluid, pus, or cells, filling a portion of their lung. These abnormal substances can be seen on radiological examination and are referred to as lung infiltrates. The procedure is unilateral, meaning it is performed on one lung. It is important to note that if the provider removes the lung from which the biopsy was taken, a different code should be used to report the lung removal.

5. When to use CPT code 32607

CPT code 32607 should be used when a thoracoscopy procedure is performed to examine the lungs and pleura and obtain diagnostic biopsies of lung infiltrates. It is important to ensure that the procedure is performed on a single lung and that it is not reported in conjunction with other specific lung procedure codes.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 32607, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the presence of lung infiltrates
• Details of the procedure, including the use of video-assisted endoscopic approach and the specific instruments used
• Date of the procedure
• Specific lung infiltrates targeted for biopsy
• Number of biopsies taken
• Placement of a chest tube for drainage
• Confirmation of proper lung expansion after re-inflation
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 32607, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the criteria outlined in the official description. The provider should not report CPT 32607 more than once per lung and should not report it in conjunction with other specific lung procedure codes. If mediastinal and regional lymph nodes are excised during the same session, an additional code should be reported. It is important to review the specific guidelines and tips provided by the payer to ensure accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 32607 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2012. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs a thoracoscopy procedure on a patient with lung infiltrates, obtaining a diagnostic biopsy of the abnormal substances in the lung.
2. During a thoracoscopy procedure, the provider identifies lung infiltrates and takes multiple biopsies from the same lung for diagnostic examination.
3. A patient undergoes a thoracoscopy procedure to examine lung infiltrates and obtain a diagnostic biopsy, with the provider placing a chest tube for drainage.
4. Using video-assisted endoscopic approach, the provider performs a thoracoscopy procedure to examine lung infiltrates and takes a biopsy of the abnormal substances in the lung.
5. During a thoracoscopy procedure, the provider identifies lung infiltrates and takes multiple biopsies from the same lung, confirming proper lung expansion after re-inflation.
6. A patient with lung infiltrates undergoes a thoracoscopy procedure, with the provider obtaining a diagnostic biopsy and placing a chest tube for drainage.
7. Using video-assisted endoscopic approach, the provider performs a thoracoscopy procedure to examine lung infiltrates and takes a biopsy, confirming proper lung expansion after re-inflation.
8. A thoracoscopy procedure is performed on a patient with lung infiltrates, and the provider obtains a diagnostic biopsy from the abnormal substances in the lung.
9. During a thoracoscopy procedure, the provider identifies lung infiltrates and takes multiple biopsies from the same lung, placing a chest tube for drainage.