tci ED Coding & Reimbursement Alert - 2003 Issue 5

Reader Question: Remove Thoracentesis Uncertainty

Question: How should I code the following situation: The physician uses the thoracentesis needle and catheter mechanism to enter the pleural space. The physician obtains auburn-colored fluid from the wound, which is clear and not bloody and then uses intravenous tubing to drain about 400 cc into the Vacutainer. Code 32000 doesn't seem to apply. The CPT Assistant indicates that the physician wouldn't make an incision for a service reported by 32000. Should I report 32002? Michigan SubscriberAnswer: You should report 32002 (Thoracentesis with insertion of tube with or without water seal [e.g., for pneumothorax] [separate procedure]). For...

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