How To Use CPT Code 32999

CPT 32999 describes a procedure on the lungs and pleura that does not have a specific code. 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 32999?

CPT 32999 is used to report procedures on the lungs and pleura that do not have a specific code. It is used when there is no other CPT code available to accurately describe the procedure performed by the provider.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 32999 is: ‘Unlisted procedure, lungs and pleura.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider performs a procedure on the lungs and pleura that is not represented by any of the standard and active CPT codes available.
2. The procedure may involve diagnostic or therapeutic interventions, such as biopsies, drainage, or other interventions specific to the lungs and pleura.
3. The provider carefully documents the details of the procedure, including the specific techniques used and any complications encountered.
4. The documentation should also include the rationale for choosing CPT code 32999 instead of a defined, active code.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 32999 is used when there is no specific code available to accurately describe the procedure performed on the lungs and pleura. It is important to note that this code should only be used when there is no other appropriate code available. The provider should carefully review the available codes and determine if there is a more specific code that can be used before resorting to CPT 32999.

5. When to use CPT code 32999

CPT code 32999 should be used when there is no other specific code available to accurately describe the procedure performed on the lungs and pleura. It is important to thoroughly review the available codes and determine if there is a more appropriate code that can be used before resorting to CPT 32999.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 32999, the provider must document the following information:

• A detailed description of the procedure performed on the lungs and pleura
• The specific techniques used during the procedure
• Any complications encountered during the procedure
• The rationale for choosing CPT code 32999 instead of a defined, active code

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 32999, it is important to provide a cover letter explaining the reason for choosing the unlisted code instead of a defined, active code. The cover letter should include one or more similar codes and compare the service to those codes to justify the claim amount being billed. Additionally, the operative notes or other relevant documentation should be included to strengthen the claim and avoid a possible denial.

8. Historical information

CPT 32999 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs a diagnostic procedure on the lungs and pleura to determine the cause of a patient’s persistent cough.
2. A provider performs a therapeutic procedure on the lungs and pleura to drain fluid accumulation in a patient with pleural effusion.
3. A provider performs a biopsy procedure on the lungs and pleura to obtain tissue samples for further analysis.
4. A provider performs a procedure on the lungs and pleura to remove a foreign object that has become lodged in the airway.
5. A provider performs a procedure on the lungs and pleura to treat a pneumothorax in a patient with a collapsed lung.
6. A provider performs a procedure on the lungs and pleura to treat a lung abscess in a patient with a severe infection.
7. A provider performs a procedure on the lungs and pleura to treat a pulmonary embolism in a patient with a blood clot in the lung.
8. A provider performs a procedure on the lungs and pleura to treat a lung tumor in a patient with lung cancer.
9. A provider performs a procedure on the lungs and pleura to treat a lung infection in a patient with pneumonia.
10. A provider performs a procedure on the lungs and pleura to treat a collapsed lung in a patient with a traumatic injury.