How To Use CPT Code 32994

CPT 32994 describes a percutaneous ablation therapy procedure used to reduce or eradicate one or more pulmonary tumors, including the pleura or chest wall when involved by tumor extension. 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 32994?

CPT 32994 is a code used to describe a minimally invasive procedure that aims to destroy tumor cells in the lung, pleura, or chest wall by freezing the tissue. The provider uses a cryoprobe, a wandlike needle, to introduce cold gas into the tumor area, resulting in the freezing and destruction of the tumor cells. This procedure is performed unilaterally, meaning it targets tumors on one side of the body.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 32994 is: ‘Ablation therapy for reduction or eradication of 1 or more pulmonary tumor(s) including pleura or chest wall when involved by tumor extension, percutaneous, including imaging guidance when performed, unilateral; cryoablation.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient and creates a small incision in the chest wall between the ribs.
2. Using imaging guidance, if necessary, the provider positions the cryoprobe at the tumor area.
3. Cold gas is applied through the cryoprobe, freezing the tumor and destroying the tumor cells.
4. The provider repeats the treatment multiple times to ensure complete tumor destruction.
5. After the procedure, the cryoprobe is withdrawn, and the incision is closed using an adhesive dressing.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 32994 is used for patients with pulmonary tumors, including those involving the pleura or chest wall. The procedure is performed percutaneously, meaning it is done through the skin, and it is unilateral, targeting tumors on one side of the body. The use of imaging guidance, if performed, is also included in this code.

5. When to use CPT code 32994

CPT code 32994 should be used when a provider performs cryoablation therapy to reduce or eradicate one or more pulmonary tumors, including those involving the pleura or chest wall. It is important to note that this code is specific to unilateral procedures. If the procedure is performed bilaterally, modifier 50 should be appended to the code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 32994, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the presence of pulmonary tumors
• Details of the procedure, including the use of imaging guidance if performed
• Number of tumors treated and their locations
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any complications or adverse events encountered
• Signature of the performing provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 32994, ensure that the procedure is performed percutaneously and includes cryoablation therapy for pulmonary tumors. If the procedure is performed bilaterally, modifier 50 should be appended to the code. It is also important to follow any specific guidelines provided by the payer regarding documentation and medical necessity.

8. Historical information

CPT 32994 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2018. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient with a pulmonary tumor undergoes cryoablation therapy using CPT code 32994 to destroy the tumor cells.
2. A provider performs cryoablation therapy on a patient with a pleural tumor, targeting the tumor using CPT code 32994.
3. Using CPT code 32994, a provider performs cryoablation therapy on a patient with a chest wall tumor, effectively reducing or eradicating the tumor.
4. A unilateral cryoablation procedure is performed on a patient with multiple pulmonary tumors using CPT code 32994.
5. A provider uses CPT code 32994 to perform cryoablation therapy on a patient with a pulmonary tumor, ensuring complete tumor destruction.
6. Using CPT code 32994, a provider performs cryoablation therapy on a patient with a pleural tumor, successfully reducing or eradicating the tumor.
7. A chest wall tumor is treated using cryoablation therapy with CPT code 32994, resulting in the destruction of tumor cells.
8. A provider performs cryoablation therapy on a patient with multiple pulmonary tumors involving the pleura, using CPT code 32994.
9. Using CPT code 32994, a provider performs cryoablation therapy on a patient with a chest wall tumor, effectively reducing or eradicating the tumor.
10. A unilateral cryoablation procedure is performed on a patient with a pulmonary tumor using CPT code 32994, resulting in successful tumor destruction.