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The CPT® Code 32506 refers to a surgical procedure known as a thoracotomy with therapeutic wedge resection, specifically for each additional resection performed on the same side of the chest (ipsilateral). This procedure is indicated when there is a need to remove a mass or nodule from the lung. The process begins with a skin incision made over the chest, typically at the location of the identified mass or nodule. The incision may extend around the back to provide adequate access to the lung. During the procedure, soft tissues are carefully dissected to expose the ribs, and the chest cavity is accessed through the intercostal space. In some cases, a rib may be removed to enhance visibility and access to the lung tissue. Once the area is accessed, the surgeon identifies the section of lung tissue that contains the mass or nodule and excises it along with a margin of healthy lung tissue to ensure complete removal of any potentially abnormal cells. A pathology examination is performed on the excised tissue to confirm that the margins are free of abnormal tissue. If any abnormal tissue is detected at the margins, further lung tissue is removed until clean margins are achieved. To facilitate recovery and prevent complications, a temporary drainage tube may be placed in the pleural space to remove any air, fluid, or blood that may accumulate post-surgery. Finally, the chest incision is closed. It is important to note that CPT® Code 32506 is used to report each additional wedge resection performed after the primary procedure, which is reported using CPT® Code 32505.
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The procedure associated with CPT® Code 32506 is indicated for the removal of lung masses or nodules that may be suspected of being abnormal or malignant. The following conditions may warrant this surgical intervention:
The procedure for CPT® Code 32506 involves several critical steps to ensure the effective removal of lung tissue containing a mass or nodule. The following outlines the procedural steps:
Post-procedure care following a thoracotomy with therapeutic wedge resection includes monitoring for any complications such as infection, bleeding, or respiratory issues. Patients may require pain management and respiratory therapy to aid in recovery. The temporary drainage tube, if used, will be monitored and may be removed once the physician determines that it is no longer necessary. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to assess healing and to review pathology results, ensuring that any further treatment is initiated if needed.
| Short Descr | WEDGE RESECT OF LUNG ADD-ON | Medium Descr | THORACOTOMY W/THERAP WEDGE RESEXN ADDL IPSILATRL | Long Descr | Thoracotomy; with therapeutic wedge resection (eg, mass or nodule), each additional resection, ipsilateral (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | ZZZ - Code Related to Another Service | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 0 - No 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 | 3 | CCS Clinical Classification | 36 - Lobectomy or pneumonectomy |
This is an add-on code that must be used in conjunction with one of these primary codes.
| 32505 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Thoracotomy; with therapeutic wedge resection (eg, mass, nodule), initial |
| 22 | Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | 58 | Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78. | 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.) | 79 | Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.) | 80 | Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s). | 82 | Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s). | 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) | XE | Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
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| 2012-01-01 | Added | Added |
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