32661 Thoracoscopy with pericard excision
Also known as: VATS pericardial window, thoracoscopic pericardiotomy
Thoracoscopic excision of the pericardium, performed to create a pericardial window or remove pericardial tissue for treatment of pericardial disease.
In Plain Language
camera surgery on heart sac
Clinical Context
Used for malignant pericardial effusion with tamponade, constrictive pericarditis, or pericardial cyst requiring drainage or removal.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 13.00 |
| Total RVU | 13.00 |
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 13.00, this code ranks in the 68th 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 32661?
CPT 32661 (Thoracoscopy with pericard excision) is a Surgery code. Thoracoscopic excision of the pericardium, performed to create a pericardial window or remove pericardial tissue for treatment of pericardial disease.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 32661?
The work RVU for CPT 32661 is 13.00. This code is primarily used by Cardiac Surgery, Thoracic Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 32661 used?
Used for malignant pericardial effusion with tamponade, constrictive pericarditis, or pericardial cyst requiring drainage or removal.
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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.