Surgery: Respiratory System (Q&A) (December 2015)

December 2015 page 16a Surgery: Respiratory System Question: What is the appropriate CPT code to report a left cardiac sympathetic denervation (also known as left stellate cardiac ganglionectomy)? Answer: Left cardiac sympathetic denervation is a rare procedure that represents a generous sympathectomy for an unusual indication. Left cardiac sympathetic denervation is also used to reduce cardiac events in patients with congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS). If the procedure is performed thoracoscopically, report code 32664, Thoracoscopy, surgical; with thoracic sympathectomy. If the procedure is performed via open thoracotomy, report code 32999, Unlisted procedure, lungs and pleura. Surgery: Respiratory System (Q&...

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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 December 2015 CPT Assistant Q&A from the Surgery: Respiratory System section discusses a specialized denervation procedure and the coding considerations tied to whether it is performed thoracoscopically or through open thoracotomy. It is intended for coders, billers, and other revenue cycle professionals who need to understand the article’s scope, the relevant CPT context, and the general type of guidance provided without relying on the premium text.

Why This Topic Matters

This article matters because it highlights a rare procedure and shows that coding references can depend on the operative approach and the respiratory-system CPT framework. Readers can use it to determine whether the premium content is relevant to a procedure review or coding lookup.

Article Sections

  1. December 2015 page 16a

    Introduces the issue’s respiratory system coding Q&A and the procedural topic addressed in the article.

What You Will Learn

  • The article’s procedural focus within the respiratory system CPT context.
  • How the Q&A is organized around a specialized surgical service topic.
  • Which general operative approaches are discussed in relation to the procedure.
  • The type of coding guidance the article provides for a rare procedure.

Who Should Read This

  • Medical coders
  • Coding auditors
  • Billing staff
  • Revenue cycle professionals
  • Clinical documentation staff

Codes Discussed


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