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Pulmonology Coding Alert

Reader Question ~ Solve Coding of Chemical Insertion

Published on Sat Jul 21, 2007

Question: What code should I assign for chemical pleurodesis?

Rhode Island Subscriber Answer: When a pulmonologist performs chemical pleurodesis for recurrent or persistent pneumothorax, you should use 32005 (Chemical pleurodesis [e.g., for recurrent or persistent pneumothorax]) with 512.8 (Other spontaneous pneumothorax).

In chemical pleurodesis, the pulmonologist introduces a caustic chemical (usually talc) into the pleural space to promote inflammation and, thus, prevent future episodes of pneumothorax from occurring.
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