Please note this question was answered in 2014. The coding advice may or may not be outdated.
Chest Tube
Date: Sep 9, 2014
Question:
Could you clarify when it is correct to code for open chest tube placement (32551) vs. pleural drainage (32556)? Also, what do you code when a chest tube is placed by thorascopy? I have gotten two different answers.
Need to ask Dr.Z?
Don't see the answer you're looking for in the knowledge base? No problem. You can ask Dr. Z directly!Ask Dr. Z a question now!