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Is CPT 32561 Appropriate?

Date: Sep 30, 2022

Question:

Is code 32561 appropriate for this case? If not, what code do you suggest?

"TITLE: Insertion of 4 mg tPA into left clogged pleural catheter.

DIAGNOSIS: Metastatic breast cancer with mets and malignant pleural effusions.

INDICATION: Worsening shortness of breath.

PROCEDURE IN DETAIL: The procedure was done in the clinic room, and radiographs reviewed prior to procedure. Patient was placed in the sitting position. The left hemithorax revealed aerated lung with moderate collection of pleural fluid confirmed by personal ultrasound done in the examining room. The pleural cath was visualized in the pocket of pleural fluid. Site uncovered, no evidence of erythema, fluctulence, or tenderness. Pleural cath was connected to the 5-in-1 adapter. 10 ml normal saline was flushed with mild resistance, followed by insertion of 4 mg tPA in 5 ml sterile water. The pleural cath was again flushed with 10 cc of saline without significant resistance. No complications.

DISPOSITION: Patient remained in stable condition and will drain IPC at home in two hours."

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