32505 Wedge resection of lung initial
Also known as: wedge resection, lung wedge
Surgical wedge resection of the lung as the initial/primary procedure performed via thoracotomy, removing a small peripheral portion of lung tissue.
In Plain Language
small piece of lung removal
Clinical Context
Used for small peripheral nodules suspicious for malignancy, diagnostic biopsies, or benign lesions suitable for parenchyma-sparing approach.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 15.36 |
| Total RVU | 15.36 |
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 15.36, this code ranks in the 74th 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 32505?
CPT 32505 (Wedge resection of lung initial) is a Surgery code. Surgical wedge resection of the lung as the initial/primary procedure performed via thoracotomy, removing a small peripheral portion of lung tissue.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 32505?
The work RVU for CPT 32505 is 15.36. This code is primarily used by Thoracic Surgery, Oncology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 32505 used?
Used for small peripheral nodules suspicious for malignancy, diagnostic biopsies, or benign lesions suitable for parenchyma-sparing approach.
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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.