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Official Description

Thoracoscopy; with diagnostic biopsy(ies) of lung infiltrate(s) (eg, wedge, incisional), unilateral

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Thoracoscopy with diagnostic biopsy of lung infiltrates is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows for direct visualization and sampling of lung tissue. This procedure is performed unilaterally, meaning it is conducted on one side of the chest. The primary goal is to obtain tissue samples from areas of the lung that appear abnormal, such as infiltrates, which are substances that cause opacification on imaging studies like chest X-rays. These infiltrates can be indicative of various underlying conditions, including infections, inflammation, fluid accumulation, or hemorrhage. The thoracoscopy technique involves the use of specialized instruments to access the pleural space, where the lungs are located, and to perform biopsies on the identified areas of concern. The procedure can be performed using different techniques, including blunt entry or trocar insertion, both of which facilitate the inspection and sampling of lung tissue while minimizing trauma to surrounding structures. This approach not only aids in diagnosis but also helps in determining the appropriate treatment plan based on the histological findings from the biopsies obtained.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

Thoracoscopy with diagnostic biopsy of lung infiltrates is indicated for the evaluation of various pulmonary conditions. The following are the specific indications for this procedure:

  • Presence of Lung Infiltrates - This procedure is performed when there are abnormal opacities in the lung as seen on imaging studies, which may suggest infection, inflammation, or other pathological processes.
  • Unilateral Lung Abnormalities - The procedure is specifically indicated for abnormalities located on one side of the lung, allowing for targeted biopsy and assessment.
  • Need for Tissue Diagnosis - When a definitive diagnosis is required to guide treatment decisions, especially in cases where non-invasive methods have been inconclusive.

2. Procedure

The thoracoscopy procedure with diagnostic biopsy involves several key steps to ensure effective sampling of lung tissue. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Accessing the Pleural Space - The procedure begins with the surgeon gaining access to the pleural space. This can be achieved through blunt entry, where a clamp is passed over a rib and through the pleura, or by making a small intercostal incision and inserting a trocar into the intercostal space.
  • Step 2: Inspection of the Pleural Space - Once access is obtained, the pleural space is inspected digitally to ensure there is adequate room for the insertion of the thoracoscope. If using a trocar, air may be injected to induce an artificial pneumothorax, enhancing visualization of the lung and pleura.
  • Step 3: Insertion of the Thoracoscope - The thoracoscope is then inserted under direct vision into the pleural space. This allows for a thorough inspection of the lung and identification of any infiltrates or nodules that require biopsy.
  • Step 4: Fluid Management - If there is any fluid present in the pleural space, it may be evacuated using suction catheters to facilitate better visualization and access to the lung tissue.
  • Step 5: Biopsy Procedure - Once the area of interest is identified, clamps are applied to the targeted site. The lung is incised, and one or more tissue samples are obtained from the infiltrate or nodule. In some cases, a triangular wedge of lung tissue may be excised for biopsy.
  • Step 6: Closing the Biopsy Site - After obtaining the necessary tissue samples, the biopsy site is closed using mattress sutures. A chest tube or catheter may be placed within the pleural space as needed to facilitate drainage.
  • Step 7: Final Steps - The lung is fully inflated, and the portal incisions are closed to complete the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the thoracoscopy with diagnostic biopsy, patients are typically monitored for any complications, such as bleeding or infection. The expected recovery involves managing any discomfort and ensuring proper lung function. Patients may require a chest tube for drainage if fluid accumulation occurs. Follow-up imaging may be necessary to assess the lung's condition post-procedure. The results of the biopsy will guide further management and treatment options based on the histological findings.

Short Descr THORACOSCOPY W/BX INFILTRATE
Medium Descr THORACOSCOPY W/DX BX OF LUNG INFILTRATE UNILATRL
Long Descr Thoracoscopy; with diagnostic biopsy(ies) of lung infiltrate(s) (eg, wedge, incisional), unilateral
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
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) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P1G - Major procedure - Other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 38 - Other diagnostic procedures on lung and bronchus

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)
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.
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).
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.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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.)
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)
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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