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See a sample rate comparisonCPT 32557 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 22 - On Campus Outpatient Hospital |
| Common Modifiers | RT - Right side of body LT - Left side of body |
| Complexity Level | Moderate |
| Medicare Fee Schedule | $647.98 national non-facility rate (2026) · View Medicare rates for 32557 |
| Medicaid Fee Schedule | $511.45 median of the 8 states in the free preview · View Medicaid rates for 32557 |
National average reimbursement for CPT 32557 by major payers:
$831.89
$969.00
$1,008.38
$321.68
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CPT 32557
5 of 25 sample ratesHigher to lower in this preview
Heiko Schoder
$4,070.17Published rateHye-Yong Kang
Allied Physicians Group PLLC
$1,346.06Published rateRichard Chang
Barnabas Health Medical Group P C
$1,082.69Published rateMeliza Barillo
Town Center Orthopaedic Associates, P.C.
$886.20Published rateDavid Kim
Town Center Orthopaedic Associates, P.C.
$205.62Published rate
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See a sample payer proposalCPT 32557 vs. Other Surgical Procedures on the Respiratory System Codes
The CPT 32557 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 32557 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 32557. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.
Understanding the 32557 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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