tci ED Coding & Reimbursement Alert - 2008 Issue 4

Reader Questions: Thoracentesis Codes Make a Move in CPT 2008

Question: Our ED physician performed thoracentesis via pleural cavity puncture on a patient in early January. I reported 32000 and received a denial. What's going on? Missouri Subscriber Answer: The code you used (32000, Thoracentesis, puncture of pleural cavity for aspiration, initial or subsequent) is not in CPT 2008. You-ll have to resubmit the claim with the new code for the service, 32421 (Thoracentesis, puncture of pleural cavity for aspiration, initial or subsequent). C ode 32421 is identical to 32000. Just be sure to report 32421 instead of 32000 from now on for this procedure. ED coders will also...

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