January 2002 page 11b
Coding Consultation
Respiratory System, Surgery, 32999 (Q&A)
Question
If a chest tube was placed in the operating room, but no thoracentesis was performed, how should this be reported? This was the only procedure performed.
AMA Comment
Since the chest tube placement occurred in the operating room, code 32999, Unlisted procedure, lungs and pleura, should be reported. The CPT book does not contain a specific listing for this procedure. If the chest tube placement had been performed at the patient's bedside, the placement would not be a separately reportable procedure.
Respiratory System, Surgery, 32999 (Q&...
Note: The following article synopsis was NOT provided by the AMA. It was created by Find-A-Code/innoviHealth.
Article Overview
This article presents a respiratory surgery coding consultation from CPT Assistant focused on how a chest tube placement scenario is discussed in relation to CPT reporting. It is useful for coders, auditors, and coding educators who need to understand the topic area covered and the type of CPT guidance included without relying on the full premium text.
Why This Topic Matters
It helps readers quickly determine whether the article addresses respiratory surgery coding questions, CPT consultation material, and reporting questions involving an unlisted procedure code.
Article Sections
Coding Consultation
A question-and-answer discussion from a CPT coding consultation focused on respiratory system surgery reporting.
Question
The scenario presented for review and the reporting question being asked.
AMA Comment
The editorial response summarizing the CPT consultation guidance for the scenario.
What You Will Learn
The article’s focus within respiratory system surgery coding.
The format and scope of the CPT consultation presented.
The general type of reporting issue discussed for a chest tube placement scenario.
The organizations and publication context associated with the guidance.
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