How To Use CPT Code 32997

CPT 32997 describes a procedure known as total lung lavage, which involves washing out the lung using saline water and bronchoscopy. 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 32997?

CPT 32997 is a code used to describe the procedure of total lung lavage. This procedure involves the provider washing out the lung using saline water and the assistance of bronchoscopy. It is typically performed to diagnose infection or lung cancer and to treat certain lung diseases.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 32997 is: ‘Total lung lavage (unilateral).’ This procedure is used to wash out the lung using saline water and bronchoscopy. It is important to note that this code is different from CPT code 31624, which is used for bronchoscopy with bronchial alveolar lavage.

3. Procedure

1. When performing total lung lavage, the provider first preps and anesthetizes the patient.
2. The provider then inserts a bronchoscope through the nose or mouth and advances it down into the throat.
3. The lung to be treated is isolated from the oxygen supply, and the provider examines the mucus lining or covering of the airways using the eyepiece of the bronchoscope.
4. Saline water is introduced into the lung through the bronchoscope to achieve complete degassing of the lung.
5. The provider then washes the lung and withdraws the fluid through suction for further investigation in the lab.
6. This procedure is typically performed to diagnose infection or lung cancer and to treat certain lung diseases.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Total lung lavage is performed on patients who require the washing out of their lung. This procedure is commonly used to manage pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, a rare lung disease characterized by protein build-up in the lungs. It is important to note that total lung lavage is a complex procedure performed in an operating room under general anesthesia.

5. When to use CPT code 32997

CPT code 32997 should be used when the provider performs total lung lavage, which involves washing out the lung using saline water and bronchoscopy. This code should not be used for bronchoscopy with bronchial alveolar lavage, which is represented by CPT code 31624.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 32997, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for performing total lung lavage
• Details of the procedure, including the use of saline water and bronchoscopy
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Any abnormalities observed during the procedure
• Results of the fluid analysis, if applicable
• Signature of the performing provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 32997, ensure that the procedure is performed in an operating room under general anesthesia. It is important to note that CPT code 32997 is different from CPT code 31624, which represents bronchoscopy with bronchial alveolar lavage. Therefore, it is crucial to use the correct code based on the specific procedure performed.

8. Historical information

CPT code 32997 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2000. The code was later added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare in 2017.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs total lung lavage on a patient with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis to remove protein build-up in the lungs.
2. A patient undergoes total lung lavage to diagnose a suspected lung infection.
3. A provider performs total lung lavage on a patient with lung cancer to aid in the treatment process.
4. A patient with a lung disease undergoes total lung lavage to improve their respiratory function.
5. A provider performs total lung lavage on a patient with a rare lung condition to alleviate symptoms and improve lung health.
6. A patient undergoes total lung lavage as part of a research study on lung diseases.
7. A provider performs total lung lavage on a patient with a history of occupational exposure to toxins to remove any accumulated substances from the lungs.
8. A patient with a chronic lung condition undergoes total lung lavage to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
9. A provider performs total lung lavage on a patient with a suspected lung disease to obtain a sample for further analysis.
10. A patient with a lung infection undergoes total lung lavage to remove infectious material and promote healing.