32504 Resection apical lung tumor/chest
Also known as: apical tumor resection with chest wall, Pancoast tumor with chest wall
Surgical resection of an apical lung tumor with en bloc resection of chest wall structures including ribs, vertebral body, or subclavian vessels as necessary for complete tumor removal.
In Plain Language
top lung cancer surgery with chest wall removal
Clinical Context
Used for apical tumors with extensive chest wall, vertebral, or vascular invasion requiring aggressive combined resection for adequate margins.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 35.63 |
| Total RVU | 35.63 |
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 35.63, this code ranks in the 96th percentile among Surgery codes — 4.5x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 32504?
CPT 32504 (Resection apical lung tumor/chest) is a Surgery code. Surgical resection of an apical lung tumor with en bloc resection of chest wall structures including ribs, vertebral body, or subclavian vessels as necessary for complete tumor removal.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 32504?
The work RVU for CPT 32504 is 35.63. This code is primarily used by Thoracic Surgery, Oncology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 32504 used?
Used for apical tumors with extensive chest wall, vertebral, or vascular invasion requiring aggressive combined resection for adequate margins.
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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.