32656 Thoracoscopy with pleurectomy
Also known as: VATS pleurectomy, thoracoscopic pleural removal
Thoracoscopic pleurectomy performed for pleural disease, including removal of parietal pleura with minimally invasive visualization and dissection.
In Plain Language
camera removal of chest membrane
Clinical Context
Used for recurrent pleural effusion, pleural thickening, or symptomatic pleural disease when VATS approach provides adequate visualization.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 12.93 |
| Total RVU | 12.93 |
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 12.93, this code ranks in the 67th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.6x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 32656?
CPT 32656 (Thoracoscopy with pleurectomy) is a Surgery code. Thoracoscopic pleurectomy performed for pleural disease, including removal of parietal pleura with minimally invasive visualization and dissection.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 32656?
The work RVU for CPT 32656 is 12.93. This code is primarily used by Thoracic Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 32656 used?
Used for recurrent pleural effusion, pleural thickening, or symptomatic pleural disease when VATS approach provides adequate visualization.
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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.