How To Use CPT Code 32810

CPT 32810 describes the closure of the chest wall following open flap drainage for empyema, which is the presence of pus in the chest cavity. 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 32810?

CPT 32810 can be used to describe the closure of the chest wall after continuous drainage and irrigation of empyema. This procedure involves the removal of a lower rib from the chest cavity to create an open window for continuous drainage and irrigation with an antibiotic solution. The provider then allows the formation of healthy granulation tissue before closing the defect by suturing the muscle flaps in the midline.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 32810 is: ‘Closure of chest wall following open flap drainage for empyema (Clagett type procedure).’ This code is used to report the closure of the chest wall after continuous drainage and irrigation of the chest cavity in cases of empyema.

3. Procedure

1. In this procedure, the provider performs closure of the chest wall after continuous drainage and irrigation of empyema, which is pus in the chest cavity.
2. The provider removes a lower rib from the chest cavity and forms an open window to allow continuous drainage and irrigation of the cavity with an antibiotic solution.
3. The provider leaves the cavity as it is to allow the formation of healthy granulation tissue.
4. When the patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized, the provider closes the defect by suturing the muscle flaps in the midline.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 32810 is performed in cases of empyema, which is the presence of pus in the chest cavity. The procedure involves continuous drainage and irrigation of the chest cavity, followed by the closure of the chest wall. It is important to note that this procedure is specific to the Clagett type procedure for empyema.

5. When to use CPT code 32810

CPT code 32810 should be used when the provider performs the closure of the chest wall following open flap drainage for empyema. 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 32810, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of empyema
• Details of the continuous drainage and irrigation procedure
• Description of the closure of the chest wall
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional relevant information or complications

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 32810, 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 to ensure accurate and complete billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 32810 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. It was later added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare in 2017.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes continuous drainage and irrigation of empyema, and the provider performs the closure of the chest wall using CPT code 32810.
2. After open flap drainage for empyema, the provider sutures the muscle flaps in the midline to close the chest wall, reporting CPT code 32810.
3. In a Clagett type procedure, the provider removes a lower rib, forms an open window for continuous drainage and irrigation, and then closes the chest wall using CPT code 32810.
4. Following the continuous drainage and irrigation of empyema, the provider performs the closure of the chest wall by suturing the muscle flaps in the midline, reporting CPT code 32810.
5. During the closure of the chest wall after open flap drainage for empyema, the provider uses CPT code 32810 to report the procedure.
6. After continuous drainage and irrigation of empyema, the provider closes the chest wall by suturing the muscle flaps in the midline, using CPT code 32810.
7. A patient undergoes the closure of the chest wall following open flap drainage for empyema, and the provider reports CPT code 32810 for the procedure.
8. Following the continuous drainage and irrigation of empyema, the provider performs the closure of the chest wall using CPT code 32810.
9. In a Clagett type procedure, the provider removes a lower rib, forms an open window for continuous drainage and irrigation, and then closes the chest wall using CPT code 32810.
10. After open flap drainage for empyema, the provider sutures the muscle flaps in the midline to close the chest wall, reporting CPT code 32810.