32215 Treat chest lining
Also known as: pleural treatment, pleurectomy
Surgical treatment of the pleura (chest lining), including procedures such as pleurectomy, decortication, or pleural stripping performed to treat pleural disease.
In Plain Language
chest lining surgery
Clinical Context
Used for pleural thickening, restrictive pleurisy, recurrent pleural effusion, or symptomatic pleural disease requiring direct surgical intervention.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 12.72 |
| Total RVU | 12.72 |
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 12.72, 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 32215?
CPT 32215 (Treat chest lining) is a Surgery code. Surgical treatment of the pleura (chest lining), including procedures such as pleurectomy, decortication, or pleural stripping performed to treat pleural disease.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 32215?
The work RVU for CPT 32215 is 12.72. This code is primarily used by Thoracic Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 32215 used?
Used for pleural thickening, restrictive pleurisy, recurrent pleural effusion, or symptomatic pleural disease requiring direct surgical 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.