Rate Benchmarking
Compare your rates with similar providers.
Select a published rate, define comparable providers, and see where that rate falls in your market.
See a sample rate comparisonCPT 32556 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.
Drain Fluid From Cavity, Surgery To Drain Fluid That Has Accumulated Around The Lung By Inserting A Thin Tube (Catheter) Through The Skin. The Procedure May Include Using An X-Ray Machine To Better View The Area.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service Type | Surgery Surgical Procedures on the Respiratory System |
| Common Place of Service | 21 - Inpatient Hospital 23 - Emergency Room |
| Common Modifiers | RT - Right side of body LT - Left side of body |
| Complexity Level | Moderate |
| Medicare Fee Schedule | $841.04 national non-facility rate (2026) · View Medicare rates for 32556 |
| Medicaid Fee Schedule | $647.955 median of the 8 states in the free preview · View Medicaid rates for 32556 |
National average reimbursement for CPT 32556 by major payers:
$779.59
$843.18
$974.42
$1,169.41
Compare published rates across providers.
Choose a payer to see a sample of rates for CPT 32556.
CPT 32556
5 of 25 sample ratesHigher to lower in this preview
Short Hills Surgery Center, LLC, Short Hills Surgery Center
Short Hills Surgery Center, LLC
$3,010.00Published rateProliance Surgeons, Inc., P.S., Proliance Everett Bone And Joint Surgery Center
Proliance Surgeons, Inc., P.S.
$1,367.00Published rateMemorialcare Surgical Center At Saddleback LLC, Laguna Niguel Surgery Center
$1,019.00Published rateJohns Hopkins Surgery Centers Series
Johns Hopkins Surgery Center Series
$614.00Published rateNorthwest Florida Surgical Center, LLC, North Florida Surgery Center
Northwest Florida Surgical Center
$372.00Published rate
Get a free rate benchmark for your specialty.
Choose your state and specialty to build a report from payer-published rates.
Use market rates to prepare your payer proposal.
Payer Contract Negotiation
Draft a fee schedule renegotiation letter.
Use your fee schedule and market benchmarks to set target rates and draft a letter for your payer.
See a sample payer proposalCPT 32556 vs. Other Surgical Procedures on the Respiratory System Codes
The CPT 32556 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 32556 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| 32555-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. |
| 32556-CPT | Moderate | Drain Fluid From Cavity, Surgery To Drain Fluid That Has Accumulated Around The Lung By Inserting A Thin Tube (Catheter) Through The Skin. The Procedure May Include Using An X-Ray Machine To Better View The Area. |
| 32557-CPT | Moderate | Drain Fluid From Cavity, Surgery To Drain Fluid That Has Accumulated Around The Lung By Inserting A Thin Tube (Catheter) Through The Skin. The Procedure May Include Using An X-Ray Machine 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 32556. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.
Understanding the 32556 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.
FREE SAMPLE MARKET COMPARISON
Let's review your payer contracts side-by-side with the market.
Bring your top codes (like CPT 32556) and we'll show you how you compare in 15 minutes or less.