32851 Lung transplant single
Also known as: single lung transplant, unilateral lung transplant, SLTx
Single lung transplantation, the surgical placement of one donor lung into a recipient with end-stage pulmonary disease. Includes anastomosis of pulmonary vessels and airways.
In Plain Language
transplant of one new lung
Clinical Context
Performed in patients with end-stage pulmonary fibrosis, emphysema, or cystic fibrosis who fail medical management. Single lung recipients have longer transplant survival than double lung.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 58.15 |
| Total RVU | 58.15 |
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 58.15, this code ranks in the 99th percentile among Surgery codes — 7.3x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 32851?
CPT 32851 (Lung transplant single) is a Surgery code. Single lung transplantation, the surgical placement of one donor lung into a recipient with end-stage pulmonary disease. Includes anastomosis of pulmonary vessels and airways.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 32851?
The work RVU for CPT 32851 is 58.15. This code is primarily used by Thoracic Surgery, Transplant Surgery, Pulmonology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 32851 used?
Performed in patients with end-stage pulmonary fibrosis, emphysema, or cystic fibrosis who fail medical management. Single lung recipients have longer transplant survival than double lung.
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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.