CPT code 32651 represents a video-assisted thoracoscopic procedure to strip part of the pleural membrane surrounding the lungs. Nationally, this code captures minimally invasive surgical management of pleural disease, such as recurrent pneumothorax or persistent pleural pathology that requires pleural stripping or partial pleurectomy. Proper coding of this procedure affects hospital and surgeon claims, resource use measurement, and comparative clinical reporting for thoracic surgical services.

Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of how the code is used clinically, the typical sites of service, and the procedural context for thoracic surgeons and hospital billing teams. The publication outlines expected benchmarks for coding frequency, payer coverage patterns, and considerations that influence claim adjudication at a national level.

The report also provides clinical context for when a thoracoscopic pleural stripping is performed, how the service aligns with minimally invasive thoracic surgery trends, and what billing professionals should document to support use of CPT code 32651. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.