32550 Insert pleural catheter
Also known as: pleural catheter insertion, PleurX catheter, chest tube insertion
Percutaneous insertion of a pleural catheter under imaging guidance for drainage of pleural fluid, blood, or air without imaging directly guiding needle placement.
In Plain Language
chest fluid drain insertion
Clinical Context
Used for recurrent malignant pleural effusion or pneumothorax when repeated thoracentesis is necessary, allowing outpatient management.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 3.82 |
| Total RVU | 3.82 |
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 0-day global period, meaning pre- and post-operative E&M visits are billable separately on the same day. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 3.82, this code ranks in the 26th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.1x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 32550?
CPT 32550 (Insert pleural catheter) is a Surgery code. Percutaneous insertion of a pleural catheter under imaging guidance for drainage of pleural fluid, blood, or air without imaging directly guiding needle placement.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 32550?
The work RVU for CPT 32550 is 3.82. This code is primarily used by Thoracic Surgery, Pulmonology.
When is CPT 32550 used?
Used for recurrent malignant pleural effusion or pneumothorax when repeated thoracentesis is necessary, allowing outpatient 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.