CPT 32550
Global 000 ActiveInsert pleural cath
CPT 32550 Billing & Documentation Guide
CPT code 32550 (Insert pleural cath) is classified under Surgery (Respiratory/Cardiovascular) with a global period indicator of 000. The 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule assigns a work RVU of 3.82, a non-facility practice expense RVU of 19.13, and a malpractice RVU of 0.51, a total non-facility RVU of 23.46 and facility RVU of 5.43. With the current conversion factor of $33.4009, the national average non-facility reimbursement is approximately $811.62, though rates vary from $685.23 to $1072.14 based on MAC locality and Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs).
When billing 32550, 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 32550 with related codes; this code has 10 PTP bundling relationships on file (see table below).
Payment Status & Global Period
Active code (paid under MPFS)
Endoscopic or minor procedure with related preoperative and postoperative work performed on the same day
MUE Limit (Medically Unlikely Edits)
Submitting more than 2 units of 32550 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 32550
| Component | Non-Facility | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Work RVU | 3.82 | 3.82 |
| Practice Expense RVU | 19.13 | 1.1 |
| Malpractice RVU | 0.51 | 0.51 |
| Total RVU | 23.46 | 5.43 |
| Conversion Factor | $33.4009 | |
2026 Medicare Reimbursement by State, CPT 32550
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 | $897.47 | $184.88 | $839.19 - $1072.14 | 29 |
| Florida | $801.84 | $197.62 | $764.04 - $835.83 | 3 |
| Georgia | $757.74 | $183.21 | $717.85 - $797.62 | 2 |
| Illinois | $777.99 | $196.09 | $737.59 - $814.88 | 4 |
| Michigan | $751.55 | $186.07 | $730.19 - $772.91 | 2 |
| North Carolina | $734.63 | $172.76 | $734.63 - $734.63 | 1 |
| New York | $869.62 | $197.79 | $746.58 - $927.11 | 5 |
| Ohio | $728.13 | $178.31 | $728.13 - $728.13 | 1 |
| Pennsylvania | $772.81 | $182.94 | $730.25 - $815.37 | 2 |
| Texas | $773.17 | $180.29 | $724.87 - $818.96 | 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 32550
Procedure-to-procedure (PTP) edits. If you bill any of these codes with 32550 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 | CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction |
| 0216T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction |
| 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 |
| 0708T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 0709T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 0903T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
| 0904T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
| 0905T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
| 11000 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
Frequently Asked Questions, CPT 32550
What does CPT code 32550 mean? +
CPT code 32550 represents: Insert pleural cath. It's in the Surgery (Respiratory/Cardiovascular) category with a global period of 000.
What is the Medicare reimbursement for CPT 32550? +
The 2026 Medicare national average non-facility payment for CPT 32550 is $811.62. Rates range from $685.23 to $1072.14 across 53 states depending on MAC locality and GPCIs.
What modifiers can I use with CPT 32550? +
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 32550? +
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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