CPT 32503
Global 090 ActiveResect apical lung tumor
CPT 32503 Billing & Documentation Guide
CPT code 32503 (Resect apical lung tumor) is classified under Surgery (Respiratory/Cardiovascular) with a global period indicator of 090. The 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule assigns a work RVU of 30.95, a non-facility practice expense RVU of 11.93, and a malpractice RVU of 7.81, a total non-facility RVU of 50.69 and facility RVU of 50.69. With the current conversion factor of $33.4009, the national average non-facility reimbursement is approximately $1694.03, though rates vary from $1495.84 to $2118.74 based on MAC locality and Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs).
When billing 32503, ensure documentation supports medical necessity and the specific components required for the code's level of service. For E/M codes, document MDM (medical decision-making) elements: problems addressed, data reviewed, and risk. For procedural codes, document the indication, technique, and any complications. Always verify NCCI edits before bundling 32503 with related codes; this code has 10 PTP bundling relationships on file (see table below).
Payment Status & Global Period
Active code (paid under MPFS)
90-day global period (major surgery: 1 day pre-op + procedure + 90 days post-op)
MUE Limit (Medically Unlikely Edits)
Submitting more than 1 units of 32503 for the same patient on the same date triggers automatic line denial unless an appropriate modifier and supporting documentation justify the higher quantity.
RVU Breakdown, CPT 32503
| Component | Non-Facility | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Work RVU | 30.95 | 30.95 |
| Practice Expense RVU | 11.93 | 11.93 |
| Malpractice RVU | 7.81 | 7.81 |
| Total RVU | 50.69 | 50.69 |
| Conversion Factor | $33.4009 | |
2026 Medicare Reimbursement by State, CPT 32503
State-level averages across all MAC localities. Non-facility rates typically apply to office-based services; facility rates apply to hospital outpatient / inpatient.
| State | Non-Facility | Facility | Range (Non-Fac) | Localities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $1683.78 | $1683.78 | $1627.88 - $1861.89 | 29 |
| Florida | $1941.37 | $1941.37 | $1806.77 - $2108.29 | 3 |
| Georgia | $1727.57 | $1727.57 | $1700.14 - $1755 | 2 |
| Illinois | $1920.91 | $1920.91 | $1805.29 - $2040.14 | 4 |
| Michigan | $1775.09 | $1775.09 | $1692.08 - $1858.1 | 2 |
| North Carolina | $1572.22 | $1572.22 | $1572.22 - $1572.22 | 1 |
| New York | $1881.96 | $1881.96 | $1595.69 - $2058.12 | 5 |
| Ohio | $1660.51 | $1660.51 | $1660.51 - $1660.51 | 1 |
| Pennsylvania | $1712.23 | $1712.23 | $1646.07 - $1778.38 | 2 |
| Texas | $1674.05 | $1674.05 | $1638.71 - $1796.66 | 8 |
Source: CMS PFSRVU 2026 · Updated 2026-04-01. Full locality-level detail available for all 53 states, contact us for custom reports.
NCCI Bundling Edits, CPT 32503
Procedure-to-procedure (PTP) edits. If you bill any of these codes with 32503 on the same date of service, review the modifier indicator and payer policy before submission.
| Partner Code | Relationship | Modifier Allowed | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0213T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
| 0216T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
| 0228T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 0230T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 0251T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | CPT Separate procedure definition |
| 0253T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | 9 | CPT Separate procedure definition |
| 0340T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Mutually exclusive procedures |
| 0596T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 0597T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 0600T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | More extensive procedure |
Frequently Asked Questions, CPT 32503
What does CPT code 32503 mean? +
CPT code 32503 represents: Resect apical lung tumor. It's in the Surgery (Respiratory/Cardiovascular) category with a global period of 090.
What is the Medicare reimbursement for CPT 32503? +
The 2026 Medicare national average non-facility payment for CPT 32503 is $1694.03. Rates range from $1495.84 to $2118.74 across 53 states depending on MAC locality and GPCIs.
What modifiers can I use with CPT 32503? +
Surgery codes commonly use modifier 22 (increased procedural services), 50 (bilateral), 51 (multiple procedures), 52 (reduced services), 58/78/79 (staged, unplanned return, unrelated within global), 62 (co-surgeons), 80/82 (assistant surgeon), and 59 or the X{EPSU} subset for distinct procedural service.
What bundling edits apply to CPT 32503? +
This code has 10 NCCI PTP bundling relationships. See the NCCI Bundling section below for full list.
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Reviewed by the PayerReady Medical Coding Team
Verified against the CMS 2026 code set on May 31, 2026.
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