32659 Thoracoscopy with sacral drainage
Also known as: VATS pleural drainage, thoracoscopic chest drainage
Thoracoscopic drainage of the pleural sac, performed to establish dependent drainage of effusion, blood, or infected fluid.
In Plain Language
camera placement of chest drain
Clinical Context
Used for pleural effusion, hemothorax, or empyema when thoracoscopic visualization allows safe drainage catheter placement and source treatment.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 11.64 |
| Total RVU | 11.64 |
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 11.64, this code ranks in the 64th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.5x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 32659?
CPT 32659 (Thoracoscopy with sacral drainage) is a Surgery code. Thoracoscopic drainage of the pleural sac, performed to establish dependent drainage of effusion, blood, or infected fluid.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 32659?
The work RVU for CPT 32659 is 11.64. This code is primarily used by Thoracic Surgery, Pulmonology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 32659 used?
Used for pleural effusion, hemothorax, or empyema when thoracoscopic visualization allows safe drainage catheter placement and source treatment.
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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.