32160 Open chest heart massage
Also known as: open cardiac massage, direct cardiac massage, open heart massage
Open chest cardiac massage performed as an emergency resuscitation procedure, delivered directly to the heart to restore effective cardiac output during cardiac arrest.
In Plain Language
hand massage of heart through chest
Clinical Context
Used during cardiopulmonary resuscitation when closed-chest compression is ineffective, often in operating room setting or for traumatic arrest.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 12.77 |
| Total RVU | 12.77 |
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 12.77, this code ranks in the 67th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.6x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 32160?
CPT 32160 (Open chest heart massage) is a Surgery code. Open chest cardiac massage performed as an emergency resuscitation procedure, delivered directly to the heart to restore effective cardiac output during cardiac arrest.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 32160?
The work RVU for CPT 32160 is 12.77. This code is primarily used by Cardiac Surgery, Emergency Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 32160 used?
Used during cardiopulmonary resuscitation when closed-chest compression is ineffective, often in operating room setting or for traumatic arrest.
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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.