32551 Insertion of chest tube
Surgery
Global 0d
Also known as: chest tube insertion, thoracostomy tube, tube thoracostomy
Percutaneous insertion of a chest tube (thoracostomy tube) under imaging guidance for drainage of pneumothorax, hemothorax, or pleural effusion.
Clinical Context
Used for pneumothorax, hemothorax, pleural effusion, or empyema requiring urgent or acute drainage via percutaneous approach.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 2.96 |
| Practice Expense RVU | 0.77 |
| Malpractice RVU | 0.55 |
| Total RVU | 4.28 |
Est. Medicare Payment
$142.95
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.