32997 Total lung lavage
Also known as: lung lavage, pulmonary lavage, whole lung irrigation
Total lung lavage (or pulmonary lavage), therapeutic washing out of the entire lung with saline or other solutions. Removes alveolar debris and inflammatory material.
In Plain Language
washing out the lungs to remove debris
Clinical Context
Used for pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, severe occupational lung disease, or acute respiratory failure from pulmonary edema. Provides temporary symptom relief and improved oxygenation.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 7.13 |
| Total RVU | 7.13 |
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 0-day global period, meaning pre- and post-operative E&M visits are billable separately on the same day. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 7.13, this code ranks in the 46th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.1x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 32997?
CPT 32997 (Total lung lavage) is a Surgery code. Total lung lavage (or pulmonary lavage), therapeutic washing out of the entire lung with saline or other solutions. Removes alveolar debris and inflammatory material.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 32997?
The work RVU for CPT 32997 is 7.13. This code is primarily used by Thoracic Surgery, Pulmonology, Critical Care.
When is CPT 32997 used?
Used for pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, severe occupational lung disease, or acute respiratory failure from pulmonary edema. Provides temporary symptom relief and improved oxygenation.
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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.