Advanced Search

Pulmonology Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

32421-32422 and 32551 Translate to Pleural Effusion Treatment

Published on Tue Oct 19, 2010

Question: I'm not sure I know what a pleural effusion is. How does the physician treat it?North Carolina SubscriberAnswer: A pleural effusion, or an abnormal fluid accumulation between the pleural surfaces, can be caused by lung cancer, pneumonia, lung infections, drug reactions, asbestosis, sarcoidosis, abnormal lung pressure and congestive heart failure. Treatment options: The physician may treat the condition using one of the following methods:Thoracentesis ( 32421, Thoracentesis, puncture of pleural cavity for aspiration, initial or subsequent; and 32422, Thoracentesis with insertion of tube with or without water seal [e.g., for pneumothorax] [separate procedure]); or Chest tube insertion (32551, Tube thoracostomy with or without water seal [e.g., for abscess, hemothorax, empyema] [separate procedure]).Diagnosis: You'll report ICD-9 code 511.x (Pleurisy) for most patients with a pleural effusion.Clinical and coding expertise for this issue are provided by Carol Pohlig, BSN, RN, CPC, ACS, senior coding and education specialist at the University of [...]
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Pulmonology Coding Alert

View All