CPT® 2013: 32420-32422 Are Out -- Prep 4 New Thoracentesis and Drainage Codes

Why This Topic Matters

The update changes how common chest procedures are reported and may affect coding workflows for thoracentesis, pleural drainage, and tube thoracostomy. Knowing which codes were removed, added, or revised helps coding professionals track procedure reporting changes tied to the 2013 CPT release.

Article Sections

1. Deleted codes

   This section summarizes the procedure codes scheduled for deletion in the CPT 2013 update. It provides the broad context for the transition to new chest and pleural fluid removal reporting options.

2. Added codes

   This section introduces the new procedure codes taking the place of the deleted entries. It focuses on the overall categories of thoracentesis and pleural drainage covered by the update.

3. Revised code

   This section notes wording changes to an existing chest tube insertion code. It explains that the article discusses how the revised language affects the code’s general description.

4. Matching codes to procedures should be simpler

   This section discusses the article’s explanation of how the new and revised codes are intended to align with different chest fluid removal services. It also addresses the general coding confusion the update is meant to reduce.

5. Aspiration vs. indwelling catheter

   This section compares the two broad procedural approaches described in the article. It focuses on the distinction between aspiration-based services and catheter-based drainage.

6. Needle/catheter aspiration

   This section addresses the procedural scenario involving aspiration performed with either a needle or a catheter. It places that issue in the context of the new CPT structure.

7. Imaging guidance

   This section covers the article’s discussion of imaging guidance and how it is handled within the updated coding structure. It also references related imaging guidance reporting concepts for earlier code versions.

8. Don't forget 32551 revision

   This section notes the revision to the chest tube insertion code and the article’s reminder about the procedural setting it addresses. It serves as a final coding update within the broader thoracic procedure discussion.

9. Remember

   This brief closing section provides a general timing reminder about the status of the code changes. It indicates that the article is discussing pending updates before they become official.