CPT code 32550: Pleural catheter, tunneled catheter with cuff2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in South Dakota
Report tunneled pleural catheter placement when a cuffed, indwelling catheter is inserted to manage recurrent fluid in the pleural space.
In South Dakota, Medicare pays $772.27 for 32550 in the office and $170.06 when it’s performed in a hospital or facility.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 32550 nationwide
Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.
On this page 11 sections
What 32550 covers
This service places a cuffed catheter through a subcutaneous tunnel into the pleural space, leaving it in place for repeated drainage. Pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, and interventional radiologists commonly perform the procedure for recurrent pleural effusions, including malignant effusions, in hospital outpatient or office settings. The tunneled route and cuff distinguish this device from a temporary pleural drain.
Select the code when the documentation supports placement of an indwelling tunneled catheter with a cuff, rather than a non-tunneled catheter or a one-time pleural aspiration. Record the indication, catheter type and placement, and the pleural space treated. CMS assigns a 0-day global period, so same-day preoperative and postoperative care is included. Assistant-at-surgery services are not paid; co-surgeons and team surgery are not permitted.
This summary was written with AI assistance from CMS physician fee schedule data and checked against the CMS billing rules shown here. Rates on this page come directly from CMS files.
How South Dakota compares for 32550
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 32550 runs from $685.23 in Arkansas to $1,072.14 in San Benito County, CA. South Dakota pays $772.27. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- South Dakota · this page$772.27
- Los Angeles, CA · California$900.02+$127.75
- Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$906.13+$133.86
- Miami, FL · Florida$835.83+$63.56
- Chicago, IL · Illinois$809.73+$37.46
- Manhattan, NY · New York$905.24+$132.97
- Alaska · Alaska$881.26+$108.99
Other areas in South Dakota first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| AlabamaAlabama | $696.32 | $169.38 |
| ArkansasArkansas | $685.23 | $167.92 |
| ArizonaArizona | $761.32 | $177.77 |
| Bakersfield, CACalifornia | $840.69 | $180.66 |
| Chico, CACalifornia | $839.19 | $179.16 |
| El Centro, CACalifornia | $839.28 | $179.24 |
| Fresno, CACalifornia | $839.19 | $179.16 |
| Hanford, CACalifornia | $839.19 | $179.16 |
| Madera, CACalifornia | $839.19 | $179.16 |
| Merced, CACalifornia | $839.19 | $179.16 |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $839.19 | $179.16 |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $986.43 | $192.71 |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $897.03 | $185.20 |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $839.19 | $179.16 |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $839.19 | $179.16 |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $844.72 | $184.69 |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $884.42 | $184.04 |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $881.23 | $183.26 |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $904.85 | $184.59 |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $1,048.46 | $199.34 |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $1,047.88 | $198.76 |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $1,072.14 | $203.74 |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $1,069.77 | $201.37 |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $866.67 | $180.74 |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $915.74 | $184.04 |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $885.32 | $183.13 |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $925.19 | $185.67 |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $839.19 | $179.16 |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $985.60 | $191.87 |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $839.19 | $179.16 |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $839.19 | $179.16 |
| ColoradoColorado | $822.28 | $181.52 |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $838.91 | $190.33 |
| DelawareDelaware | $774.84 | $179.84 |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $805.66 | $195.61 |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $764.04 | $188.32 |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $797.62 | $185.76 |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $717.85 | $180.67 |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $863.95 | $179.23 |
| IowaIowa | $719.00 | $167.97 |
| IdahoIdaho | $723.49 | $169.45 |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $749.74 | $195.70 |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $737.59 | $187.76 |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $814.88 | $196.40 |
| IndianaIndiana | $728.19 | $169.93 |
| KansasKansas | $713.80 | $169.39 |
| KentuckyKentucky | $711.21 | $175.84 |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $748.20 | $181.52 |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $709.39 | $176.43 |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $910.90 | $191.85 |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $816.03 | $181.90 |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $836.31 | $190.13 |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $791.13 | $181.69 |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $726.03 | $171.99 |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $771.55 | $174.75 |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $772.91 | $191.77 |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $730.19 | $180.37 |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $790.12 | $170.44 |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $744.22 | $178.73 |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $752.95 | $179.64 |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $694.97 | $175.85 |
| MississippiMississippi | $690.32 | $171.81 |
| MontanaMontana | $783.55 | $181.33 |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $734.63 | $172.76 |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $773.47 | $171.25 |
| NebraskaNebraska | $723.79 | $167.94 |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $807.65 | $180.74 |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $895.02 | $196.44 |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $849.13 | $191.50 |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | $733.98 | $181.74 |
| NevadaNevada | $781.38 | $178.56 |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $927.11 | $211.08 |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $853.61 | $194.18 |
| Queens, NYNew York | $915.57 | $203.75 |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $746.58 | $174.47 |
| OhioOhio | $728.13 | $178.31 |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $711.42 | $173.64 |
| Portland, OROregon | $852.19 | $183.13 |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $775.97 | $176.16 |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $815.37 | $188.46 |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $730.25 | $177.42 |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $790.36 | $181.52 |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $805.26 | $183.16 |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $732.47 | $176.02 |
| TennesseeTennessee | $717.55 | $170.14 |
| Austin, TXTexas | $818.96 | $181.81 |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | $724.87 | $176.85 |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | $775.11 | $178.31 |
| Dallas, TXTexas | $779.76 | $179.95 |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | $773.59 | $179.80 |
| Galveston, TXTexas | $777.20 | $179.20 |
| Houston, TXTexas | $786.54 | $188.54 |
| Rest of TexasTexas | $749.35 | $177.84 |
| UtahUtah | $743.51 | $177.42 |
| VirginiaVirginia | $767.71 | $175.73 |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $790.36 | $181.52 |
| VermontVermont | $768.78 | $172.58 |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $815.04 | $180.90 |
| King County, WAWashington | $931.89 | $192.97 |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $744.96 | $168.04 |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $707.22 | $183.90 |
| WyomingWyoming | $779.16 | $176.94 |
32550 rates by state
Office rate range in each state. Select a state to see its payment localities.
Explore a state
Local rates. Clear comparisons.
Hover or focus a tile to see its rate range. Select it to open the state’s fee schedule.
$685.23
$955.67
Color shows the midpoint of each state’s locality range.
View every state and territory as a table
| State / territory | Office rate range | Localities |
|---|---|---|
| AK | $881.26 | 1 |
| AL | $696.32 | 1 |
| AR | $685.23 | 1 |
| AZ | $761.32 | 1 |
| CA | $839.19–$1,072.14 | 29 |
| CO | $822.28 | 1 |
| CT | $838.91 | 1 |
| DC | $906.13 | 1 |
| DE | $774.84 | 1 |
| FL | $764.04–$835.83 | 3 |
| GA | $717.85–$797.62 | 2 |
| GU | $863.95 | 1 |
| HI | $863.95 | 1 |
| IA | $719.00 | 1 |
| ID | $723.49 | 1 |
| IL | $737.59–$814.88 | 4 |
| IN | $728.19 | 1 |
| KS | $713.80 | 1 |
| KY | $711.21 | 1 |
| LA | $709.39–$748.20 | 2 |
| MA | $816.03–$910.90 | 2 |
| MD | $791.13–$906.13 | 3 |
| ME | $726.03–$771.55 | 2 |
| MI | $730.19–$772.91 | 2 |
| MN | $790.12 | 1 |
| MO | $694.97–$752.95 | 3 |
| MS | $690.32 | 1 |
| MT | $783.55 | 1 |
| NC | $734.63 | 1 |
| ND | $773.47 | 1 |
| NE | $723.79 | 1 |
| NH | $807.65 | 1 |
| NJ | $849.13–$895.02 | 2 |
| NM | $733.98 | 1 |
| NV | $781.38 | 1 |
| NY | $746.58–$927.11 | 5 |
| OH | $728.13 | 1 |
| OK | $711.42 | 1 |
| OR | $775.97–$852.19 | 2 |
| PA | $730.25–$815.37 | 2 |
| PR | $790.36 | 1 |
| RI | $805.26 | 1 |
| SC | $732.47 | 1 |
| SD | $772.27 | 1 |
| TN | $717.55 | 1 |
| TX | $724.87–$818.96 | 8 |
| UT | $743.51 | 1 |
| VA | $767.71–$906.13 | 2 |
| VI | $790.36 | 1 |
| VT | $768.78 | 1 |
| WA | $815.04–$931.89 | 2 |
| WI | $744.96 | 1 |
| WV | $707.22 | 1 |
| WY | $779.16 | 1 |
How the 32550 rate is calculated
Each of 32550’s three RVUs is multiplied by a geographic index (GPCI) for the payment locality, added up, and multiplied by the conversion factor. Drag the indexes or enter a ZIP to see what moves the rate.
How the rate is built · 32550
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work3.82
3.82 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense19.13
19.13 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.51
0.51 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
23.4600
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$783.59
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact South Dakota inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
3,729
- Code
- 32550
- Physician work
- 3.82
- Practice expense
- 19.13
- Malpractice
- 0.51
GPCI2026.csv
94
- Locality
- South Dakota
- Physician work
- 1.000
- Practice expense
- 1.000
- Malpractice
- 0.336
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 3.82 | × 1.000 | 3.8200 |
| Practice expense | 19.13 | × 1.000 | 19.1300 |
| Malpractice | 0.51 | × 0.336 | 0.1714 |
| Total RVUs | 23.1214 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, South Dakota$772.27
Office: (3.82 × 1 + 19.13 × 1 + 0.51 × 0.336) × $33.4009 = $772.27
Facility: (3.82 × 1 + 1.1 × 1 + 0.51 × 0.336) × $33.4009 = $170.06
Payment rules and modifiers for 32550
The CMS indicators that decide how 32550 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 32550
Pleural catheter, tunneled catheter with cuff
| Rule | CMS value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Global period | 000 | Same-day global: pre- and post-op care on the day of the procedure is included. |
| Multiple procedures | 0 | No multiple-procedure reduction. |
| Bilateral (modifier 50) | 0 | The 150% bilateral adjustment doesn’t apply. |
| Assistant at surgery (80/81/82/AS) | 1 | Not paid (statutory restriction). |
| Co-surgeons (62) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Team surgery (66) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Professional/technical | 0 | Physician service: no professional/technical split. |
How 32550 has changed in South Dakota
32550 · Office / nonfacility
$772.27
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $63.93 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $708.34 to $772.27 (9.0%).
It is unchanged from the immediately preceding available release, effective 2026-07-01.
One bar per available release, ordered by effective date. Missing rates remain gaps. These comparisons hold the code, setting and locality identifiers constant; they do not isolate which policy or input caused a change.
What changed, release by release
January 1, 2026
RVU26A
$708.34changed to$772.27
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Work RVU 3.92 changed to 3.82
- Practice expense RVU 17.78 changed to 19.13
- Malpractice RVU 0.52 changed to 0.51
- Malpractice GPCI 0.382 changed to 0.336
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$755.84changed to$708.34
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
- Practice expense RVU 18.58 changed to 17.78
- Malpractice RVU 0.54 changed to 0.52
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$743.50changed to$755.84
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$793.52changed to$743.50
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Practice expense RVU 19.30 changed to 18.58
- Malpractice GPCI 0.364 changed to 0.382
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$840.49changed to$793.52
- Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
- Practice expense RVU 20.18 changed to 19.30
- Malpractice GPCI 0.347 changed to 0.364
Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
January 1, 2022
RVU22A
$847.34changed to$840.49
- Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
- Malpractice RVU 0.53 changed to 0.54
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
January 1, 2021
RVU21A
$798.12changed to$847.34
- Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
- Practice expense RVU 18.00 changed to 20.18
- Malpractice GPCI 0.368 changed to 0.347
Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.
January 1, 2020
RVU20A
$755.38changed to$798.12
- Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
- Practice expense RVU 16.83 changed to 18.00
- Malpractice RVU 0.54 changed to 0.53
- Malpractice GPCI 0.389 changed to 0.368
Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.
January 1, 2019
RVU19A
$715.23changed to$755.38
- Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
- Practice expense RVU 15.73 changed to 16.83
- Malpractice RVU 0.56 changed to 0.54
Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.
January 1, 2018
RVU18AR1
$713.08changed to$715.23
- Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
- Practice expense RVU 15.72 changed to 15.73
- Malpractice RVU 0.58 changed to 0.56
- Malpractice GPCI 0.395 changed to 0.389
Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.
January 1, 2017
RVU17A
$783.47changed to$713.08
- Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
- Work RVU 4.17 changed to 3.92
- Practice expense RVU 17.46 changed to 15.72
- Malpractice RVU 0.63 changed to 0.58
- Malpractice GPCI 0.400 changed to 0.395
Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.
January 1, 2016
RVU16A
$787.09changed to$783.47
- Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
- Practice expense RVU 17.47 changed to 17.46
- Malpractice RVU 0.66 changed to 0.63
Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.
July 1, 2015
RVU15C
$783.17changed to$787.09
- Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335
Held through RVU15D.
January 1, 2015
RVU15A
$781.10changed to$783.17
- Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
- Practice expense RVU 17.36 changed to 17.47
- Malpractice GPCI 0.416 changed to 0.400
Held through RVU15B.
January 1, 2014
RVU14A
$814.45changed to$781.10
- Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
- Practice expense RVU 19.47 changed to 17.36
- Malpractice RVU 0.69 changed to 0.66
- Malpractice GPCI 0.432 changed to 0.416
Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.
January 1, 2013
RVU13AR
Earliest loaded release: $814.45
Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | $772.27 | $170.06 | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $772.27 | $170.06 | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $772.27 | $170.06 | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $772.27 | $170.06 | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $708.34 | $184.33 | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $708.34 | $184.33 | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $708.34 | $184.33 | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $708.34 | $184.33 | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $755.84 | $188.62 | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $755.84 | $188.62 | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $755.84 | $188.62 | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $755.84 | $188.62 | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $743.50 | $185.54 | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $793.52 | $191.68 | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $793.52 | $191.68 | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $793.52 | $191.68 | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $793.52 | $191.68 | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $840.49 | $195.09 | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $840.49 | $195.09 | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $840.49 | $195.09 | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $840.49 | $195.09 | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | $847.34 | $196.93 | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | $847.34 | $196.93 | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | $847.34 | $196.93 | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | $847.34 | $196.93 | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | $798.12 | $203.37 | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | $798.12 | $203.37 | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | $798.12 | $203.37 | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | $798.12 | $203.37 | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | $755.38 | $203.62 | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | $755.38 | $203.62 | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | $755.38 | $203.62 | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | $755.38 | $203.62 | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | $715.23 | $204.04 | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | $715.23 | $204.04 | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | $715.23 | $204.04 | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | $715.23 | $204.04 | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | $713.08 | $204.53 | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | $713.08 | $204.53 | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | $713.08 | $204.53 | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | $713.08 | $204.53 | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | $783.47 | $216.69 | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | $783.47 | $216.69 | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | $783.47 | $216.69 | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | $783.47 | $216.69 | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | $787.09 | $218.26 | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | $787.09 | $218.26 | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | $783.17 | $217.17 | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | $783.17 | $217.17 | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | $781.10 | $218.32 | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | $781.10 | $218.32 | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | $781.10 | $218.32 | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | $781.10 | $218.32 | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | $814.45 | $212.24 | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | $814.45 | $212.24 | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | $814.45 | $212.24 | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | $814.45 | $212.24 | RVU13AR |
Where the South Dakota rate applies
South Dakota is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 485 cities and communities in South Dakota. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
- Aberdeen
- Agar
- Agency Village
- Akaska
- Albee
- Alcester
- Alexandria
- Allen
32550 billing questions
How does this differ from codes 32556 and 32557?
Code 32550 describes placement of an indwelling tunneled catheter with a cuff. Codes 32556 and 32557 describe pleural catheter insertion without that tunneled-cuff distinction, with imaging status distinguishing those two codes.
When would a pleural aspiration code be more appropriate?
Use 32554 or 32555 for aspiration of pleural fluid rather than placement of a catheter intended to remain for repeated drainage. The aspiration codes differ according to imaging guidance.
Is same-day preoperative or postoperative care separately included?
CMS assigns 32550 a 0-day global period. Same-day preoperative and postoperative care is included in the procedure.
Can an assistant, co-surgeon, or surgical team be paid?
CMS does not pay for an assistant at surgery for this code. Co-surgeons and team surgery are not permitted.
What documentation supports reporting 32550?
Document the recurrent pleural-fluid indication and that a cuffed catheter was placed through a tunnel and left indwelling in the pleural space. A temporary drain or one-time aspiration supports a different service.
Where these rates come from
FeeBase calculates base physician payments from CMS work, practice-expense and malpractice RVUs, adjusted by each locality’s geographic indexes and the conversion factor. Services without a published rate are labeled, never given a made-up amount. Amounts are Medicare allowed amounts before claim adjustments: not a patient’s bill or a commercial rate.
CMS RVU26D · effective Oct 1, 2026 through the day before Jan 1, 2027
Show the CMS file lines behind this rate
Fee sheets · Coming soon
Put 32550 and the rest of your codes on one sheet
Your codes at your locality, with payer contracts beside Medicare.
Join the waitlist