How To Use CPT Code 32856

CPT 32856 describes the backbench standard preparation of cadaver donor lung allograft prior to transplantation, including the dissection of the allograft from surrounding soft tissues to prepare the pulmonary venous/atrial cuff, pulmonary artery, and bronchus. 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 32856?

CPT 32856 can be used to describe the backbench standard preparation of cadaver donor lung allograft prior to transplantation. This includes the dissection of the allograft from surrounding soft tissues to prepare the pulmonary venous/atrial cuff, pulmonary artery, and bronchus. It is important to note that this code specifically applies to bilateral procedures.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 32856 is: ‘Backbench standard preparation of cadaver donor lung allograft prior to transplantation, including dissection of allograft from surrounding soft tissues to prepare pulmonary venous/atrial cuff, pulmonary artery, and bronchus; bilateral.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider receives the cold preserved lung allografts and places them on a sterile table, keeping them in the preservation solution.
2. The provider inspects the first lung for suitability and begins the bench preparation by separating the upper and lower lobes.
3. The provider examines the lung to determine the direction and completeness of the division of the lobes and identifies any abnormalities or injuries not noticed prior to procurement.
4. The provider continues to inspect the lung, dissecting any residual soft tissue from the aorta and paying special attention to the pulmonary venous/atrial cuff, pulmonary artery, and bronchus.
5. Upon removal of all residual soft tissue, the provider prepares the vessels for implantation, examining the small vessels crossing the fissure and clipping and dividing any as necessary for transplantation.
6. The procedure is then repeated on the other lung.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 32856 is used when the provider performs the backbench standard preparation of cadaver donor lung allograft prior to transplantation. This procedure involves the dissection of the allograft from surrounding soft tissues to prepare the pulmonary venous/atrial cuff, pulmonary artery, and bronchus. It is important to note that this code is specific to bilateral services.

5. When to use CPT code 32856

CPT code 32856 should be used when the provider performs the backbench standard preparation of cadaver donor lung allograft prior to transplantation. This code is specifically for bilateral procedures. If the provider performs a unilateral service, CPT code 32855 should be used instead.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 32856, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the backbench standard preparation of cadaver donor lung allograft
• Details of the procedure performed, including the dissection of the allograft from surrounding soft tissues and the preparation of the pulmonary venous/atrial cuff, pulmonary artery, and bronchus
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Any abnormalities or injuries identified during the procedure
• Progress made during the procedure and any additional steps taken
• Signature of the provider performing the service

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 32856, ensure that the provider performs the backbench standard preparation of cadaver donor lung allograft prior to transplantation. This code is specific to bilateral procedures. It is important to note that this code should not be reported with other codes such as 32491, 32505, 32506, 32507, 35216, or 35276. Additionally, it is important to consider the location of the testing when coding these procedures.

8. Historical information

CPT code 32856 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2005. It was later added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare in 2017.

9. Examples

1. A provider performing the backbench standard preparation of cadaver donor lung allograft prior to transplantation, including the dissection of the allograft from surrounding soft tissues to prepare the pulmonary venous/atrial cuff, pulmonary artery, and bronchus for a bilateral procedure.
2. A surgeon preparing the donor lung allografts for transplantation by dissecting them from surrounding soft tissues and preparing the pulmonary venous/atrial cuff, pulmonary artery, and bronchus for a bilateral procedure.
3. A cardiothoracic surgeon performing the backbench standard preparation of cadaver donor lung allograft prior to transplantation, including the dissection of the allograft from surrounding soft tissues to prepare the pulmonary venous/atrial cuff, pulmonary artery, and bronchus for a bilateral procedure.