How To Use CPT Code 32673

CPT 32673 describes a surgical procedure known as thoracoscopy, which involves the removal of one or both lobes of the thymus gland. 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 32673?

CPT 32673 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure called thoracoscopy. This procedure involves visualizing the chest cavity and the thymus gland to remove one or both of its lobes. It is typically performed to remove tumors or cysts from the thymus gland.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 32673 is: ‘Thoracoscopy, surgical; with resection of thymus, unilateral or bilateral.’ It is important to note that this code should not be used for open thymectomy procedures, which have their own specific codes (60520, 60521, 60522).

3. Procedure

1. To perform CPT 32673, the healthcare provider makes an incision in the chest and inserts a trocar or port to hold the instruments used during the procedure.
2. A flexible or rigid endoscope, equipped with a video camera, is then inserted through the trocar to visualize the thymus gland.
3. Additional trocars are placed in the chest cavity to allow the insertion of operating instruments for the excision of the thymus lobe.
4. The superior lobe of the thymus is carefully excised from the surrounding structures, such as the thyroid and pericardium.
5. The excised area is sutured, and a chest tube may be inserted to drain the wound.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 32673 is typically performed on patients who require the removal of tumors or cysts from the lobes of the thymus gland. The procedure is performed by a healthcare provider who is skilled in thoracoscopy and has the necessary qualifications and experience to perform the surgery safely and effectively.

5. When to use CPT code 32673

CPT code 32673 should be used when a thoracoscopy procedure is performed to resect one or both lobes of the thymus gland. It is important to note that this code should not be used for open thymectomy procedures, which have their own specific codes (60520, 60521, 60522).

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 32673, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis necessitating the thymus resection
• Details of the procedure, including the use of thoracoscopy and the specific lobes of the thymus resected
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional procedures performed during the same session
• Any complications or unexpected findings during the procedure
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 32673, it is important to ensure that the procedure was performed using thoracoscopy and that the appropriate lobes of the thymus were resected. This code should not be reported with other codes for open thymectomy procedures. It is also important to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by insurance carriers or payers.

8. Historical information

CPT code 32673 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2012. It has not undergone any updates since its addition. However, it is worth noting that in 2017, it was added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes thoracoscopy with resection of the thymus gland’s superior lobe to remove a tumor.
2. A healthcare provider performs thoracoscopy to resect both lobes of the thymus gland in a patient with cysts.
3. During a thoracoscopy procedure, a healthcare provider excises the superior lobe of the thymus gland to remove a tumor.
4. A patient undergoes thoracoscopy with resection of the thymus gland’s superior lobe to remove a cyst.
5. A healthcare provider performs thoracoscopy to resect one lobe of the thymus gland in a patient with a tumor.
6. During a thoracoscopy procedure, a healthcare provider excises both lobes of the thymus gland to remove cysts.
7. A patient undergoes thoracoscopy with resection of the thymus gland’s superior lobe to remove a tumor.
8. A healthcare provider performs thoracoscopy to resect both lobes of the thymus gland in a patient with cysts.
9. During a thoracoscopy procedure, a healthcare provider excises the superior lobe of the thymus gland to remove a tumor.
10. A patient undergoes thoracoscopy with resection of the thymus gland’s superior lobe to remove a cyst.