32561 Lyse chest fibrin initial day
Also known as: fibrin lysis, fibrinolytic therapy
Percutaneous lysis of fibrin in the pleural cavity on the initial treatment day, performed to break up loculations and improve drainage of infected or hemorrhagic fluid.
In Plain Language
dissolving chest fluid clots
Clinical Context
Used for loculated empyema or complex pleural effusion on initial intervention day to improve drainage and prevent progression to fibrothorax.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.36 |
| Total RVU | 1.36 |
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 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 1.36, this code ranks in the 7th percentile among Surgery codes — 5.9x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 32561?
CPT 32561 (Lyse chest fibrin initial day) is a Surgery code. Percutaneous lysis of fibrin in the pleural cavity on the initial treatment day, performed to break up loculations and improve drainage of infected or hemorrhagic fluid.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 32561?
The work RVU for CPT 32561 is 1.36. This code is primarily used by Pulmonology, Thoracic Surgery.
When is CPT 32561 used?
Used for loculated empyema or complex pleural effusion on initial intervention day to improve drainage and prevent progression to fibrothorax.
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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.