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See a sample rate comparisonCPT 32550 Fee Schedule
Last Verified: October 2026
Healthcare providers use this code to document and receive reimbursement for visits that address moderate-level medical decision-making, often including multiple diagnoses or prescription management.
Insertion Of Lung Drainage, Procedure To Surgically Embed A Drainage Tube In The Chest Cavity. This Allows Excess Fluid To Be Drained From The Lung Lining.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service Type | Surgery Surgical Procedures on the Respiratory System |
| Common Place of Service | 21 - Inpatient Hospital 22 - On Campus Outpatient Hospital |
| Common Modifiers | RT - Right side of body LT - Left side of body |
| Complexity Level | Moderate |
| Medicare Fee Schedule | $783.59 national non-facility rate (2026) · View Medicare rates for 32550 |
| Medicaid Fee Schedule | $629.98 median of the 8 states in the free preview · View Medicaid rates for 32550 |
National average reimbursement for CPT 32550 by major payers:
$911.45
$1,028.35
$1,139.09
$413.36
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CPT 32550
5 of 25 sample ratesHigher to lower in this preview
Chu Chen
Merrimack Valley Pediatric Associates, Inc.
$1,972.26Published rateChristopher Raio
Good Samaritan Hosptial Medical Center
$1,080.98Published rateRoula Katerji
St James Hospital
$941.49Published rateSeashore Medical Associates PA
$721.69Published rateJon Slotoroff
Seashore Medical Associates PA
$560.51Published rate
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See a sample payer proposalCPT 32550 vs. Other Surgical Procedures on the Respiratory System Codes
The CPT 32550 code is part of the Surgery services used for Surgical Procedures on the Respiratory System. It represents a moderate-complexity encounter and is one of several codes that vary based on time spent, level of medical decision-making, and documentation requirements.
The CPT 32550 code involves more provider time and moderate medical decision-making, unlike lower-level codes that require less time and simpler assessments. It typically includes multiple diagnoses, medication management, or test interpretation, leading to higher reimbursement and more detailed documentation requirements.
| Code | Complexity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 32550-CPT | Moderate | Insertion Of Lung Drainage, Procedure To Surgically Embed A Drainage Tube In The Chest Cavity. This Allows Excess Fluid To Be Drained From The Lung Lining. |
| 32552-CPT | Moderate | Remove Lung Drainage Device, Procedure To Remove A Drainage Tube From The Chest Cavity. The Tube Had Been Inserted To Drain Fluid From The Lung Lining. |
| 32553-CPT | Moderate | Place Radiation Therapy Guide, Insertion Of One Or More Radiation Therapy Guidance Devices. The Devices Guide Regulate Or Deliver Radiation Therapy To A Specific Place Inside The Body. Insertion May Be Done By Puncturing The Skin Or During Surgery. |
| 32554-CPT | Moderate | Drainage Of Fluid Around Lungs, A Procedure To Drain Fluid Surrounding The Lungs And Reinflate The Lungs With A Needle Or Tube. Imaging Guidance May Be Used To Better View The Area. |
What is a fee schedule?
A fee schedule is a list of fixed prices that healthcare providers charge for specific services, including CPT 32550. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.
Understanding the 32550 fee schedule helps patients estimate costs and providers optimize billing for accurate reimbursements.
Factors that affect fee schedules
Medicare & Medicaid Rates
Government-set reimbursement amounts
Private Insurance Rates
Negotiated rates between providers and insurance companies
Geographic Location
Costs may be higher in urban areas.
Provider Type
Hospital providers may have different rates than private practice.
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