32551 Insertion of chest tube
Also known as: chest tube insertion, thoracostomy tube, tube thoracostomy, chest tube, pleural drain
Percutaneous insertion of a chest tube (thoracostomy tube) under imaging guidance for drainage of pneumothorax, hemothorax, or pleural effusion.
In Plain Language
chest drainage tube placement
Clinical Context
Used for pneumothorax, hemothorax, pleural effusion, or empyema requiring urgent or acute drainage via percutaneous approach.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 2.96 |
| Total RVU | 2.96 |
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 2.96, this code ranks in the 21st percentile among Surgery codes — 2.7x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 32551?
CPT 32551 (Insertion of chest tube) is a Surgery code. Percutaneous insertion of a chest tube (thoracostomy tube) under imaging guidance for drainage of pneumothorax, hemothorax, or pleural effusion.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 32551?
The work RVU for CPT 32551 is 2.96. This code is primarily used by Thoracic Surgery, Emergency Medicine.
When is CPT 32551 used?
Used for pneumothorax, hemothorax, pleural effusion, or empyema requiring urgent or acute drainage via percutaneous 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.