CPT code 32488 denotes a completion pneumonectomy: surgical removal of the remaining lung tissue in a patient who previously had a lobectomy or segmentectomy on that lung. This is a major thoracic operation often performed when residual disease, recurrent tumor, or other complications necessitate removal of the remaining hemithorax. Nationally, completion pneumonectomy is clinically significant because it carries substantial perioperative risk, potential for extended inpatient recovery, and important implications for coding, payment, and quality reporting.

Key payers addressed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of procedural intent and typical settings of care, plus reporting guidance relevant to billing teams and clinical administrators. The publication outlines benchmarks and utilization context where available, summarizes policy and coding considerations for each payer, and provides clinical context that affects site-of-service decisions and resource use. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable. The content is intended to inform revenue cycle, coding staff, and clinical leaders about the definition, clinical role, and payer landscape for CPT code 32488 at a national level.