32998 Ablate pulmonary tumor percutaneous rf
Also known as: lung radiofrequency ablation, percutaneous RF ablation, RFA lung
Percutaneous ablation of pulmonary tumor using radiofrequency energy. Minimally invasive treatment using heat to destroy tumor tissue.
In Plain Language
heat treatment for lung cancer
Clinical Context
Used for small peripheral lung tumors in patients unsuitable for surgery or as adjunctive therapy. Radiofrequency ablation provides local tumor control with minimal invasiveness.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 8.80 |
| Total RVU | 8.80 |
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 8.80, this code ranks in the 54th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.1x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 32998?
CPT 32998 (Ablate pulmonary tumor percutaneous rf) is a Surgery code. Percutaneous ablation of pulmonary tumor using radiofrequency energy. Minimally invasive treatment using heat to destroy tumor tissue.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 32998?
The work RVU for CPT 32998 is 8.80. This code is primarily used by Thoracic Surgery, Pulmonology, Interventional Radiology.
When is CPT 32998 used?
Used for small peripheral lung tumors in patients unsuitable for surgery or as adjunctive therapy. Radiofrequency ablation provides local tumor control with minimal invasiveness.
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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.