32124 Explore chest free adhesions
Also known as: chest exploration with adhesiolysis, adhesion lysis
Surgical exploration of the chest to free or remove extensive adhesions and fibrous tissue, restoring normal anatomy when adhesions limit organ function or prevent necessary procedures.
In Plain Language
chest surgery to remove scars
Clinical Context
Used for extensive pleural adhesions from prior surgery, infection, or hemorrhage that compromise lung function or prevent access for therapeutic intervention.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 15.06 |
| Total RVU | 15.06 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
As a surgical CPT code, proper documentation must include the operative report detailing the procedure performed, patient positioning, approach, findings, and any complications. This code has a 90-day global period, which includes the day of the procedure, 1 day preoperative, and 90 days of postoperative care. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 15.06, this code ranks in the 73rd percentile among Surgery codes — 1.9x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 32124?
CPT 32124 (Explore chest free adhesions) is a Surgery code. Surgical exploration of the chest to free or remove extensive adhesions and fibrous tissue, restoring normal anatomy when adhesions limit organ function or prevent necessary procedures.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 32124?
The work RVU for CPT 32124 is 15.06. This code is primarily used by Thoracic Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 32124 used?
Used for extensive pleural adhesions from prior surgery, infection, or hemorrhage that compromise lung function or prevent access for therapeutic intervention.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.