32550 Insert pleural catheter
Also known as: pleural catheter insertion, PleurX catheter
Percutaneous insertion of a pleural catheter under imaging guidance for drainage of pleural fluid, blood, or air without imaging directly guiding needle placement.
Clinical Context
Used for recurrent malignant pleural effusion or pneumothorax when repeated thoracentesis is necessary, allowing outpatient management.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 3.82 |
| Practice Expense RVU | 19.13 |
| Malpractice RVU | 0.51 |
| Total RVU | 23.46 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Specialties
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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.