Ask Dr. Z

Would it be correct to code a tunneled pleural catheter (PleurX) placement with imaging (32550, 75989) with the same tunneled pleural catheter also getting removed at the end of the procedure (32552) for the reason of the output was too thick for patient to have benefit from home drainage of recurrent pleural effusion? The entire placement procedure (subcutaneous tunneling, PleurX catheter placed, imaging guidance used, minimal output due to thick, loculated pleural effusion) was performed in its entirely, so we are seeking guidance if it is also okay to code for the removal of the tunneled catheter during the same encounter?