CPT code 32555 identifies an image-guided pleural drainage procedure in which fluid, blood, or air is aspirated from the space between the lungs and chest wall using a needle or catheter under imaging guidance. This code is used across acute and ambulatory settings when radiologic visualization is required to safely access the pleural space. Nationally, the code matters because image-guided thoracentesis is a common, sometimes urgent procedure for patients with pleural effusion, hemothorax, or pneumothorax and is associated with quality and safety considerations tied to imaging use and site of service.

Key payers included in this analysis are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find operational and clinical context for CPT code 32555, including typical sites of service, common clinical indications, and the role of imaging guidance. The publication outlines benchmark themes and payment policy considerations relevant to hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and radiology departments. It also summarizes coding context that affects billing workflows and documentation expectations.

This concise overview is intended for revenue cycle leaders, clinicians who perform pleural procedures, and policy analysts seeking a national perspective on coding and service delivery for image-guided pleural drainage.