Surgery Respiratory System, 32664 (Q&A) (October 1999)
October 1999 page 10d
Coding Consultation
Respiratory System, Surgery, 32664 (Q&A)
Question
Is CPT code 32664 considered inherently bilateral or is it a unilateral code?
AMA Comment
CPT code 32664, Thoracoscopy, surgical; with thoracic sympathectomy, is a unilateral code. Therefore, if 32664 is performed bilaterally, modifier -50 should be appended.
Respiratory System, Surgery, 32664 (Q&A). CPT® Assistant. 1999; October 1999 page 10d
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Note: The following article synopsis was NOT provided by the AMA. It was created by Find-A-Code/innoviHealth.
Article Overview
This short AMA CPT Assistant Q&A addresses a respiratory system surgery coding question from October 1999. It focuses on the scope of one CPT code, how the issue is framed as unilateral versus bilateral, and the related reporting guidance discussed in the comment. The article is relevant to coders, billing staff, and compliance reviewers working with CPT surgical respiratory system procedures and bilateral reporting questions.
Why This Topic Matters
Understanding whether a surgical CPT code is treated as unilateral or bilateral affects correct claim reporting and modifier use. This article provides a concise professional clarification that can help reduce coding errors for respiratory system surgery claims.
What You Will Learn
How the article frames a respiratory system surgery coding question
The type of CPT issue being discussed
How bilateral reporting is addressed at a high level
Why this question is relevant to surgical coding and claim submission
Who Should Read This
Medical coders
Coding auditors
Billing staff
Compliance teams
Physician office staff
Codes Discussed
CPT: 32664
Modifiers Discussed
CPT: -50
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