How To Use CPT Code 32662

CPT 32662 describes a thoracoscopy procedure that involves visualizing the mediastinum, which is the middle of the chest cavity. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 32662?

CPT 32662 can be used to describe a thoracoscopy procedure where the provider visualizes the mediastinum, which is the area between the lungs that contains the heart, aorta, and esophagus. During this procedure, the provider removes a mediastinal cyst, tumor, or mass.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 32662 is: ‘Thoracoscopy, surgical; with excision of mediastinal cyst, tumor, or mass.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider incises the chest and inserts a trocar, or port, to hold instruments used during the procedure.
2. A trocar is used to partially collapse the lung and allow visualization of the mediastinum.
3. An endoscope, with a video camera attached, is inserted into the trocar to view the mediastinum.
4. The provider uses an instrument to excise the mediastinal cyst, tumor, or mass.
5. Trocars and the endoscope are removed, and a chest tube is inserted to drain the wound and re-expand the lung.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Thoracoscopy procedures with excision of mediastinal cysts, tumors, or masses are typically performed on patients with rare conditions. These conditions can be benign or malignant. Mediastinal cysts are often asymptomatic and are detected through radiology tests. The procedure is performed while the patient is under anesthesia, and the provider must visualize the mediastinum using an endoscope.

5. When to use CPT code 32662

CPT code 32662 should be used when a thoracoscopy procedure is performed to excise a mediastinal cyst, tumor, or mass. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the official description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 32662, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the thoracoscopy procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the use of trocars, endoscope, and excision of the mediastinal cyst, tumor, or mass
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 32662, ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the official description. It is important to follow the appropriate coding guidelines and modifiers, if applicable. Review the documentation requirements and ensure that all necessary information is included in the claim.

8. Historical information

CPT 32662 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1994. The code has not undergone any updates since its addition. However, it is important to stay updated with any changes or revisions to the code in future coding cycles.

9. Examples

1. A provider performing a thoracoscopy procedure to excise a mediastinal tumor in a patient with a suspected malignancy.
2. A patient with a large mediastinal cyst undergoing a thoracoscopy procedure for its removal.
3. A provider performing a thoracoscopy procedure to excise a mass in the mediastinum of a patient with symptoms of compression.
4. A thoracoscopy procedure performed to remove a mediastinal tumor in a patient with a history of lung cancer.
5. A provider performing a thoracoscopy procedure to excise a mediastinal mass in a patient with symptoms of dysphagia.
6. A patient with a suspected benign mediastinal cyst undergoing a thoracoscopy procedure for its removal.
7. A provider performing a thoracoscopy procedure to excise a mediastinal tumor in a patient with symptoms of chest pain.
8. A thoracoscopy procedure performed to remove a mediastinal mass in a patient with a history of lymphoma.
9. A provider performing a thoracoscopy procedure to excise a mediastinal cyst in a patient with symptoms of shortness of breath.
10. A patient with a suspected malignant mediastinal tumor undergoing a thoracoscopy procedure for its removal.