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CPT 32552 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.

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.
Key FactDetail
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 LevelModerate
Medicare Fee Schedule$190.72 national non-facility rate (2026) · View Medicare rates for 32552
Medicaid Fee Schedule$152.43 median of the 8 states in the free preview · View Medicaid rates for 32552

National average reimbursement for CPT 32552 by major payers:

bcbs

$245.16

uhc

$246.93

aetna

$269.62

cigna

$269.17

Compare published rates across providers.

Choose a payer to see a sample of rates for CPT 32552.

CPT 32552
5 of 25 sample ratesHigher to lower in this preview
  1. Jie Chi

    Westchester Medical Center Advanced Physician Services PC

    NYHematology & Oncology PhysicianNPI 1407389166Tax ID 13-3278578

    $1,214.68Published rate
  2. Kathleen Killoran

    Westchester Medical Center Advanced Physician Services PC

    NYHematology & Oncology PhysicianNPI 1558551242Tax ID 13-3278578

    $886.40Published rate
  3. Sneh Chauhan

    Stony Brook Internists P C

    NYCritical Care Medicine (Internal Medicine) PhysicianNPI 1598298580Tax ID 11-2558775

    $603.71Published rate
  4. Chad Muntzinger

    Town Center Orthopaedic Associates, P.C.

    VAPhysician AssistantNPI 1881995876Tax ID 54-1383504

    $197.00Published rate
  5. Christopher Raio

    St Joseph Hospital

    NYEmergency Medicine PhysicianNPI 1255478004Tax ID 11-3438973

    $81.11Published rate

National sample. Rates vary by location, specialty, and contract.

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CPT 32552 vs. Other Surgical Procedures on the Respiratory System Codes

The CPT 32552 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 32552 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.

CodeComplexityDescription
32550-CPTModerateInsertion 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.
32551-CPTModerateTube Thoracostomy Includes Co, Tube Thoracostomy Includes Connection To Drainagesystem (Eg Water Seal) When Performed Open (Se Parate Procedure)
32552-CPTModerateRemove 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-CPTModeratePlace 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.

What is a fee schedule?

A fee schedule is a list of fixed prices that healthcare providers charge for specific services, including CPT 32552. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.

Understanding the 32552 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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