© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 32200 refers to a pneumonostomy, which is a surgical intervention aimed at addressing fluid accumulation within the lung tissue, specifically targeting a cyst or an abscess. In this context, a cyst is a closed sac-like structure filled with fluid, while an abscess is a localized collection of pus that can occur due to infection or inflammation. The procedure begins with the physician making a small incision in the skin over the identified site of the abscess or cyst, which allows access to the deeper tissues of the chest wall. Through this incision, a pneumonostomy tube is carefully advanced into the cavity of the cyst or abscess, facilitating the drainage of the accumulated fluid or pus. To ensure thorough cleansing of the cavity, the physician may flush it with normal saline or an antibiotic solution, which helps to reduce the risk of infection and promote healing. Following the drainage, a soft drain is placed within the cavity to maintain continuous drainage of any remaining fluid, and this drain is secured in place with sutures. Finally, the incision is closed around the drain, completing the procedure while allowing for ongoing management of the cyst or abscess.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure indicated by CPT® Code 32200 is performed under specific circumstances where there is a need to address fluid accumulation within the lung tissue. The following conditions may warrant this surgical intervention:
The procedure for CPT® Code 32200 involves several critical steps to ensure effective drainage of the cyst or abscess. Each step is outlined as follows:
After the completion of the pneumonostomy procedure, patients may require specific post-procedure care to ensure proper recovery. It is essential to monitor the surgical site for any signs of infection or complications, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge. The drain will typically remain in place for a period to allow for continuous drainage of any remaining fluid. Healthcare providers will provide instructions on how to care for the drain and the incision site, including any necessary follow-up appointments to assess healing and determine when the drain can be safely removed. Patients may also be advised on activity restrictions and signs to watch for that may indicate complications, ensuring a smooth recovery process.
| Short Descr | DRAIN OPEN LUNG LESION | Medium Descr | PNEUMONOSTOMY W/OPEN DRAINAGE ABSCESS/CYST | Long Descr | Pneumonostomy, with open drainage of abscess or cyst | 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 | 2 | 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. | 78 | Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.) | 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 | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| 2014-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.