32320 Free/remove chest lining
Also known as: complete pleurectomy, total pleural stripping
Surgical removal of the pleura with complete stripping of both parietal and visceral components, performed for extensive pleural disease including mesothelioma or recurrent malignancy.
In Plain Language
complete chest lining removal
Clinical Context
Used for pleural malignancy, mesothelioma, or extensive recurrent pleural disease requiring aggressive pleural resection for disease control.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 26.57 |
| Total RVU | 26.57 |
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 26.57, this code ranks in the 90th percentile among Surgery codes — 3.3x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 32320?
CPT 32320 (Free/remove chest lining) is a Surgery code. Surgical removal of the pleura with complete stripping of both parietal and visceral components, performed for extensive pleural disease including mesothelioma or recurrent malignancy.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 32320?
The work RVU for CPT 32320 is 26.57. This code is primarily used by Thoracic Surgery, Oncology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 32320 used?
Used for pleural malignancy, mesothelioma, or extensive recurrent pleural disease requiring aggressive pleural resection for disease control.
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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.