32651 Thoracoscopy remove cortex
Also known as: VATS pleurectomy, thoracoscopic pleural stripping
Thoracoscopic removal of pleural cortex (parietal pleura stripping), performed to treat pleural disease or improve lung expansion via minimally invasive approach.
In Plain Language
camera removal of chest lining
Clinical Context
Used for restrictive pleural disease, hemothorax with fibrothorax, or visceral pleura strips preventing lung expansion.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 18.31 |
| Total RVU | 18.31 |
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 90-day global period, which includes the day of the procedure, 1 day preoperative, and 90 days of postoperative care. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 18.31, this code ranks in the 79th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.3x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 32651?
CPT 32651 (Thoracoscopy remove cortex) is a Surgery code. Thoracoscopic removal of pleural cortex (parietal pleura stripping), performed to treat pleural disease or improve lung expansion via minimally invasive approach.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 32651?
The work RVU for CPT 32651 is 18.31. This code is primarily used by Thoracic Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 32651 used?
Used for restrictive pleural disease, hemothorax with fibrothorax, or visceral pleura strips preventing lung expansion.
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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.