How To Use CPT Code 32905

CPT 32905 describes a surgical procedure known as thoracoplasty, specifically the Schede type or extrapleural method. This article will provide an overview of CPT code 32905, including its official description, the procedure itself, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 32905?

CPT 32905 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure called thoracoplasty, specifically the Schede type or extrapleural method. This procedure is typically performed to repair the chest cavity, often to treat conditions such as empyema, which is the presence of pus in the chest cavity. It may also be used to address infections like tuberculosis or to treat scoliosis by shortening ribs to reduce the size of a rib hump.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 32905 is: ‘Thoracoplasty, Schede type or extrapleural (all stages).’ This code encompasses the surgical procedure involving the removal of dead tissue, resection of affected ribs, and the insertion of gauze to promote the formation of new tissue in the chest cavity.

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by making an incision in the chest to access the ribs.
2. They then peel away the parietal pleura, which is the outer layer of membrane covering the chest cavity.
3. The affected ribs are resected, or removed, to address the specific condition being treated.
4. Gauze is inserted into the area to pack it, promoting the formation of new tissue.
5. The incision is then sutured closed, and the gauze is typically removed after a few days.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 32905 is used in cases where thoracoplasty, specifically the Schede type or extrapleural method, is performed. This procedure is typically indicated for conditions such as empyema, scoliosis, or infections like tuberculosis. It is important to note that this procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare professional and requires a thorough understanding of the specific condition being treated.

5. When to use CPT code 32905

CPT code 32905 should be used when the provider performs thoracoplasty using the Schede type or extrapleural method. It is important to ensure that the procedure performed aligns with the specific requirements outlined in the official description of the code.

6. Documentation requirements

When documenting a claim for CPT code 32905, the healthcare professional must include the following information:

• The specific diagnosis or condition being treated
• A detailed description of the procedure performed, including any modifications or variations
• The date of the procedure
• The start and end times of the procedure
• Any additional relevant information or complications encountered during the procedure
• The signature of the healthcare professional performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 32905, it is crucial to ensure that the procedure performed aligns with the specific requirements outlined in the official description. It is also important to follow any additional billing guidelines provided by insurance companies or regulatory bodies. Additionally, it is essential to review any updates or changes to the code to ensure accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT code 32905 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code has undergone changes, including a code change on January 1, 2010, which clarified the description of the procedure. It is important to stay updated on any historical changes or updates to ensure accurate coding and billing.

9. Examples

1. A surgeon performing thoracoplasty using the Schede type method to treat empyema in a patient.
2. A healthcare professional conducting thoracoplasty using the extrapleural method to address a rib hump caused by scoliosis.
3. A provider performing thoracoplasty to remove dead tissue and treat an infection, such as tuberculosis, in the chest cavity.
4. A surgeon utilizing thoracoplasty to address complications from a previous surgery, such as the presence of pus in the chest cavity.
5. A healthcare professional performing thoracoplasty to treat a patient with a severe case of empyema.
6. A provider conducting thoracoplasty to address an infection in the chest cavity caused by tuberculosis.
7. A surgeon utilizing thoracoplasty to treat a patient with scoliosis and reduce the size of a rib hump.
8. A healthcare professional performing thoracoplasty to address complications from a previous surgery, such as the presence of pus in the chest cavity.
9. A provider conducting thoracoplasty to treat a patient with a severe case of empyema.
10. A surgeon utilizing thoracoplasty to address an infection in the chest cavity caused by tuberculosis.