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The procedure described by CPT® Code 32661 involves a surgical thoracoscopy, which is a minimally invasive technique used to access the thoracic cavity. This procedure is specifically performed to excise a pericardial cyst, tumor, or mass. The pericardium is a protective fibrous membrane that encases the heart, and the presence of a cyst, tumor, or mass can lead to various complications, including cardiac compression or inflammation. During the procedure, the physician makes a small incision between the ribs, typically at the sixth or seventh intercostal space along the anterior axillary line, to introduce a videothoracoscope. This instrument allows for visualization of the thoracic cavity, enabling the physician to locate the cyst, tumor, or mass. Additional incisions are made to facilitate the introduction of surgical instruments necessary for the excision. The procedure requires careful dissection to remove the lesion while preserving surrounding structures, and it may involve the use of synthetic materials to repair any defects in the pericardium post-excision. Overall, this procedure is crucial for addressing pericardial lesions that may pose risks to cardiac function and overall health.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 32661 is indicated for the excision of pericardial cysts, tumors, or masses that may be causing symptoms or complications. The following conditions may warrant this surgical intervention:
The surgical procedure for CPT® Code 32661 involves several key steps to ensure the safe and effective excision of the pericardial cyst, tumor, or mass. The following procedural steps are performed:
After the completion of the thoracoscopic excision, post-procedure care is essential for recovery. Patients are typically monitored for any signs of complications, such as bleeding or infection. The placement of chest tubes allows for the drainage of any residual fluid and helps prevent the accumulation of air or fluid in the pleural space. Patients may experience some discomfort or pain at the incision sites, which can be managed with appropriate analgesics. The recovery period may vary depending on the individual patient's health status and the extent of the procedure, but close follow-up is necessary to ensure proper healing and to monitor for any recurrence of the cyst, tumor, or mass.
| Short Descr | THORACOSCOPY W/PERICARD EXC | Medium Descr | THORACOSCOPY W/EXC PERICARDIAL CYST TUMOR/MASS | Long Descr | Thoracoscopy, surgical; with excision of pericardial cyst, tumor, or mass | 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) | P8I - Endoscopy - other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 49 - Other OR heart procedures |
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). | 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. | 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) |
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| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 1994-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1994. |