32960 Therapeutic pneumothorax
Also known as: artificial pneumothorax, therapeutic collapse, pneumothorax induction
Therapeutic pneumothorax, the surgical instillation of air or gas into the pleural space to collapse the lung. Used historically for tuberculosis treatment.
Clinical Context
Historically used for tuberculosis therapy; rarely performed now due to effective antimicrobial agents. May still be used in select chronic empyema or difficult-to-manage pleural infections.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.79 |
| Practice Expense RVU | 2.08 |
| Malpractice RVU | 0.15 |
| Total RVU | 4.02 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Specialties
Track This Code in RVU Edge
Log procedures, calculate wRVUs, and benchmark against MGMA data — all in one app.
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.