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The procedure described by CPT® Code 32856 involves the meticulous preparation of cadaver donor lung allografts prior to transplantation, specifically for double lung transplants. This backbench standard preparation is performed on both lungs and includes a series of critical steps to ensure the allografts are suitable for transplantation. The process begins with a thorough examination of the external surface of the lungs to identify any tissue damage or abnormalities that could affect the viability of the organs. The pulmonary veins and left atrial cuff are carefully inspected for adequate length and any signs of injury, as these factors are crucial for successful anastomosis during the transplant. Additionally, the pulmonary artery is assessed for length and potential injuries, and any thrombus present is meticulously removed and sent for laboratory examination and culture to rule out infection or other complications. Following the initial assessments, the pulmonary artery is dissected free from surrounding soft tissues, allowing for proper attachment during the transplant. The bronchial staples are then removed, and specimens of bronchial secretions are collected for laboratory cultures to ensure there are no infectious agents present. The bronchus is trimmed to the appropriate length to facilitate a secure connection to the recipient's airway. Throughout this preparation, suctioning and irrigation with saline are performed as necessary to maintain a clean surgical field. Once the preparation is complete, the lungs are placed in a sterile basin, packed in ice, or bathed in cold saline to preserve their viability until the transplant team is ready to proceed with the transplantation. This comprehensive preparation is essential for the success of the double lung transplant, ensuring that both lungs are optimally prepared for implantation into the recipient.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 32856 is indicated for patients requiring a double lung transplant. The specific indications for this procedure include:
The procedure for the backbench standard preparation of cadaver donor lung allografts prior to transplantation involves several critical steps:
Post-procedure care following the backbench preparation of cadaver donor lung allografts involves monitoring the allografts for viability and ensuring that they remain in optimal condition until transplantation. The lungs must be kept in a sterile environment and maintained at appropriate temperatures to preserve their function. The transplant team will also prepare for the surgical implantation of the lungs into the recipient, ensuring that all necessary equipment and personnel are ready for the procedure. Continuous communication between the preparation team and the transplant team is essential to coordinate the timing of the transplant and ensure a smooth transition from preparation to implantation.
| Short Descr | PREPARE DONOR LUNG DOUBLE | Medium Descr | BKBENCH PREPJ CADAVER DONOR LUNG ALLOGRAFT BI | Long Descr | Backbench standard preparation of cadaver donor lung allograft prior to transplantation, including dissection of allograft from surrounding soft tissues to prepare pulmonary venous/atrial cuff, pulmonary artery, and bronchus; bilateral | Status Code | Carriers Price the Code | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | 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 | 176 - Other organ transplantation |
| 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). | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | 62 | Two surgeons: when 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier 62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on code(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. if additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. note: if a co-surgeon acts as an assistant in the performance of additional procedure(s), other than those reported with the modifier 62, during the same surgical session, those services may be reported using separate procedure code(s) with modifier 80 or modifier 82 added, as appropriate. | 52 | Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use). | 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. | 77 | Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 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.) | 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). | AG | Primary physician | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | CR | Catastrophe/disaster related | Q1 | Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study |
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| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Guideline information changed. |
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 2005-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2005. |
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