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The procedure described by CPT® Code 32140 involves a thoracotomy, which is a surgical incision into the chest wall. This procedure is specifically performed for the removal of one or more cysts located within the thoracic cavity. The thoracic cavity is the space within the chest that houses vital organs such as the lungs and heart. During the operation, the physician makes an incision in the chest wall directly over the cyst to gain access. Once the cyst is exposed, the physician may aspirate it, which involves using a needle to remove fluid from the cyst, thereby decompressing it. This step is crucial as it helps to alleviate any pressure that the cyst may be exerting on surrounding structures. In cases where the cyst is adhered to other intrathoracic structures, the surgeon will carefully sever these adhesions to facilitate the removal of the cyst. The excision of the cyst is a critical step in the procedure, and if the physician encounters difficulty in removing the cyst completely, they may cauterize any remaining cystic tissue. Cauterization is a technique used to burn tissue to prevent further growth or recurrence of the cyst. Additionally, if the procedure necessitates intervention on the pleura, which is the membrane surrounding the lungs, this may also be performed during the thoracotomy. Following the completion of the procedure, a chest tube may be placed to assist with drainage, and the incision site is then closed to promote healing.
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The procedure described by CPT® Code 32140 is indicated for the removal of cysts located within the thoracic cavity. The following conditions may warrant this surgical intervention:
The procedure for CPT® Code 32140 involves several critical steps to ensure the effective removal of cysts from the thoracic cavity:
After the thoracotomy and cyst removal procedure, patients can expect specific post-operative care and considerations. Monitoring for any signs of complications, such as infection or excessive bleeding, is essential. The placement of a chest tube may require careful management to ensure proper drainage and prevent pneumothorax. Patients will typically be advised on pain management strategies and may need to follow up with their healthcare provider for further evaluation and monitoring of recovery. The expected recovery time can vary based on the individual’s overall health and the extent of the procedure performed.
| Short Descr | REMOVAL OF LUNG LESION(S) | Medium Descr | THORCOM W/REMOVAL OF CYST | Long Descr | Thoracotomy; with cyst(s) removal, includes pleural procedure when performed | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 090 - Major Surgery | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required... | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Inpatient Procedures, not paid under OPPS | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P1G - Major procedure - Other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 42 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on respiratory system |
This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.
| 32674 | Add-on Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Thoracoscopy, surgical; with mediastinal and regional lymphadenectomy (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | 38746 | Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Thoracic lymphadenectomy by thoracotomy, mediastinal and regional lymphadenectomy (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) |
| 51 | Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) |
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| 2012-01-01 | Changed | Description Changed |
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Medium description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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