32200 Drainage open lung lesion
Also known as: open lung drainage, lung abscess drainage
Surgical drainage of an open lung lesion, cavity, or area of pneumonia through thoracotomy, providing dependent drainage for infected or fluid-filled pulmonary spaces.
In Plain Language
drainage of infected lung
Clinical Context
Used for lung abscess, empyema, or infected cystic lesions requiring open drainage when closed-tube drainage is inadequate or not feasible.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 18.21 |
| Total RVU | 18.21 |
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 18.21, this code ranks in the 79th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.3x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 32200?
CPT 32200 (Drainage open lung lesion) is a Surgery code. Surgical drainage of an open lung lesion, cavity, or area of pneumonia through thoracotomy, providing dependent drainage for infected or fluid-filled pulmonary spaces.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 32200?
The work RVU for CPT 32200 is 18.21. This code is primarily used by Thoracic Surgery, Pulmonology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 32200 used?
Used for lung abscess, empyema, or infected cystic lesions requiring open drainage when closed-tube drainage is inadequate or not feasible.
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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.