32310 Removal of chest lining
Also known as: pleurectomy, pleural stripping
Surgical removal of the pleura (parietal and/or visceral), performed to treat recurrent pleural disease, malignancy, or symptomatic pleural thickening.
In Plain Language
chest lining removal
Clinical Context
Used for recurrent pleural effusion, pleural malignancy, mesothelioma, or chronic pleural disease unresponsive to conservative management.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 14.90 |
| Total RVU | 14.90 |
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 14.90, 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 32310?
CPT 32310 (Removal of chest lining) is a Surgery code. Surgical removal of the pleura (parietal and/or visceral), performed to treat recurrent pleural disease, malignancy, or symptomatic pleural thickening.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 32310?
The work RVU for CPT 32310 is 14.90. This code is primarily used by Thoracic Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 32310 used?
Used for recurrent pleural effusion, pleural malignancy, mesothelioma, or chronic pleural disease unresponsive to conservative management.
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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.