CPT 32551
Global 000 ActiveInsertion of chest tube
CPT 32551 Billing & Documentation Guide
CPT code 32551 (Insertion of chest tube) is classified under Surgery (Respiratory/Cardiovascular) with a global period indicator of 000. The 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule assigns a work RVU of 2.96, a non-facility practice expense RVU of 0.77, and a malpractice RVU of 0.55, a total non-facility RVU of 4.28 and facility RVU of 4.28. With the current conversion factor of $33.4009, the national average non-facility reimbursement is approximately $143.45, though rates vary from $129.16 to $185.81 based on MAC locality and Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs).
When billing 32551, 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 32551 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 32551 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 32551
| Component | Non-Facility | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Work RVU | 2.96 | 2.96 |
| Practice Expense RVU | 0.77 | 0.77 |
| Malpractice RVU | 0.55 | 0.55 |
| Total RVU | 4.28 | 4.28 |
| Conversion Factor | $33.4009 | |
2026 Medicare Reimbursement by State, CPT 32551
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 | $142.8 | $142.8 | $138.58 - $156.67 | 29 |
| Florida | $160.43 | $160.43 | $151.06 - $172.1 | 3 |
| Georgia | $145.54 | $145.54 | $143.71 - $147.36 | 2 |
| Illinois | $159.17 | $159.17 | $151.06 - $167.57 | 4 |
| Michigan | $148.88 | $148.88 | $143.09 - $154.66 | 2 |
| North Carolina | $134.6 | $134.6 | $134.6 - $134.6 | 1 |
| New York | $157.22 | $157.22 | $136.21 - $169.89 | 5 |
| Ohio | $140.87 | $140.87 | $140.87 - $140.87 | 1 |
| Pennsylvania | $144.59 | $144.59 | $139.84 - $149.34 | 2 |
| Texas | $141.79 | $141.79 | $139.34 - $150.47 | 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 32551
Procedure-to-procedure (PTP) edits. If you bill any of these codes with 32551 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 |
| 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 | CPT Separate procedure definition |
| 0904T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | CPT Separate procedure definition |
| 0905T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | CPT Separate procedure definition |
| 12001 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
Frequently Asked Questions, CPT 32551
What does CPT code 32551 mean? +
CPT code 32551 represents: Insertion of chest tube. It's in the Surgery (Respiratory/Cardiovascular) category with a global period of 000.
What is the Medicare reimbursement for CPT 32551? +
The 2026 Medicare national average non-facility payment for CPT 32551 is $143.45. Rates range from $129.16 to $185.81 across 53 states depending on MAC locality and GPCIs.
What modifiers can I use with CPT 32551? +
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 32551? +
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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