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CPT code 32552: Pleural catheter removal, tunneled catheter with cuff2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Fort Worth, TX

Removal of a tunneled pleural catheter with a cuff, commonly reported when drainage is no longer needed or the catheter must be taken out.

CMS RVU26DEffective Oct 1, 2026One payment locality4.7K Medicare services in 2024

In Fort Worth, TX, Medicare pays $188.56 for 32552 in the office and $146.08 when it’s performed in a hospital or facility.

$188.56Office (non-facility)
$146.08Hospital or facility
−1.1%vs the national office rate ($190.72)

Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 32552 nationwide

Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.

We’ll open 32552 for the payment locality that covers the ZIP.

On this page 11 sections
  1. Rate in Fort Worth, TX
  2. What 32552 covers
  3. Compared with other areas
  4. Rate map
  5. How it’s calculated
  6. Payment rules
  7. Related codes
  8. Rate history
  9. Where it applies
  10. Billing questions
  11. Sources

What 32552 covers

This service removes an indwelling tunneled pleural catheter with its cuff. Pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, and interventional radiologists commonly perform removal in an outpatient procedure area or hospital setting. Patients often have a catheter placed for recurrent pleural effusion, including malignant effusion; removal may follow successful control of the effusion or occur when the catheter is infected or malfunctioning. The work involves freeing the cuff and withdrawing the catheter, rather than aspirating pleural fluid or inserting a replacement device.

Report the service when the documented procedure removes a tunneled pleural catheter with a cuff. The operative or procedure note should identify the catheter removed and document the removal. Related postoperative visits during the 10-day global period are included. When multiple procedures are performed in the same session, CMS pays the highest-valued procedure in full and reduces the others to 50%. Modifier 50 is inappropriate for this service. Assistant-at-surgery payment requires documented medical necessity; CMS does not recognize co-surgeon or team-surgery payment for this service.

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 Fort Worth, TX compares for 32552

Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 32552 runs from $171.32 in Arkansas to $236.73 in San Benito County, CA. Fort Worth, TX pays $188.56. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.

32552 in Fort Worth, TX vs other payment areas
  1. Fort Worth, TX · this page$188.56
  2. Austin, TX · Texas$195.09+$6.53
  3. Beaumont, TX · Texas$181.21−$7.35
  4. Brazoria, TX · Texas$187.87−$0.69
  5. Dallas, TX · Texas$189.37+$0.81
  6. Galveston, TX · Texas$188.64+$0.08
  7. Houston, TX · Texas$195.23+$6.67

Other areas in Texas first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.

Every other payment area

32552 in every other Medicare payment locality
Payment localityOfficeFacility
Rest of TexasTexas$184.65$143.76
Los Angeles, CACalifornia$207.67$156.69
Washington, DC areaDistrict of Columbia$213.66$162.90
Miami, FLFlorida$213.05$168.19
Chicago, ILIllinois$207.35$164.05
Manhattan, NYNew York$218.63$168.56
AlaskaAlaska$232.82$186.94
AlabamaAlabama$173.48$135.77

32552 rates by state

Office rate range in each state. Select a state to see its payment localities.

MEWIVTNHMTNDMNMINYMARIWAIDWYSDIAILINOHPANJCTORNVUTCONEMOKYWVVAMDDECAAZNMKSOKARTNNCSCDCTXLAMSALGAFLAKHI

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.

$171.32

$232.82

Color shows the midpoint of each state’s locality range.

View every state and territory as a table
32552 office rate range by state
State / territoryOffice rate rangeLocalities
AK$232.821
AL$173.481
AR$171.321
AZ$186.011
CA$195.78–$236.7329
CO$195.231
CT$202.301
DC$213.661
DE$188.761
FL$192.53–$213.053
GA$182.64–$194.922
GU$198.841
HI$198.841
IA$175.291
ID$176.691
IL$189.12–$207.354
IN$177.521
KS$175.521
KY$179.021
LA$179.15–$186.682
MA$194.70–$211.442
MD$191.71–$213.663
ME$178.48–$185.422
MI$183.90–$195.602
MN$185.041
MO$177.13–$186.133
MS$174.211
MT$190.701
NC$179.931
ND$183.581
NE$175.831
NH$193.161
NJ$204.04–$212.132
NM$185.151
NV$188.811
NY$182.34–$224.485
OH$182.451
OK$177.741
OR$186.76–$199.642
PA$182.17–$198.472
PR$191.601
RI$194.161
SC$181.601
SD$182.731
TN$176.401
TX$181.21–$195.238
UT$183.721
VA$185.55–$213.662
VI$191.601
VT$183.821
WA$194.02–$214.482
WI$178.361
WV$183.301
WY$187.591

See 32552 in every payment locality

How the 32552 rate is calculated

Each of 32552’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 · 32552

RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor

Office or facility?

Work2.47

2.47 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Practice expense2.88

2.88 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Malpractice0.36

0.36 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Adjusted RVUs

5.7100

Conversion factor

$33.4009

Medicare rate

$190.72

Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.

The exact Fort Worth, TX inputs and CMS source lines

PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv

3,731

Code
32552
Physician work
2.47
Practice expense
2.88
Malpractice
0.36

GPCI2026.csv

100

Locality
Fort Worth, TX
Physician work
1.009
Practice expense
0.986
Malpractice
0.871
Office calculation for 32552 in Fort Worth, TX
ComponentRVULocality factorAdjusted
Physician work2.47× 1.0092.4922
Practice expense2.88× 0.9862.8397
Malpractice0.36× 0.8710.3136
Total RVUs5.6455
Conversion factor× 33.4009

Office rate, Fort Worth, TX$188.56

Office: (2.47 × 1.009 + 2.88 × 0.986 + 0.36 × 0.871) × $33.4009 = $188.56

Facility: (2.47 × 1.009 + 1.59 × 0.986 + 0.36 × 0.871) × $33.4009 = $146.08

Open 32552 in the RVU calculator

Payment rules and modifiers for 32552

32552 has a 10-day global period: related visits in that window are included in the surgery payment.

CMS payment indicators · 32552

Pleural catheter removal, tunneled catheter with cuff

RuleCMS valueWhat it means
Global period010Minor procedure: the day of the procedure plus 10 days after are included.
Multiple procedures2Standard reduction: highest-valued procedure at 100%, others at 50%.
Bilateral (modifier 50)0The 150% bilateral adjustment doesn’t apply.
Assistant at surgery (80/81/82/AS)0Not paid without supporting documentation.
Co-surgeons (62)0Not permitted.
Team surgery (66)0Not permitted.
Professional/technical0Physician service: no professional/technical split.
Split (54/55/56)0.10/0.80/0.10Share of the payment for pre-op, the procedure itself, and post-op care.

Global surgery period · 32552

Pleural catheter removal, tunneled catheter with cuff

10-day global period ends

Oct 11, 2026

Covers Oct 1, 2026 through Oct 11, 2026 (11 days).

Visit on Oct 31, 2026

After the global period ends: visits and procedures are billed normally.

SurgeryVisit
Sep 28, 2026Oct 14, 2026

What modifiers do to the payment

Modifier 51 · payment effect

With and without the modifier

32552 without 51 · national office

$190.72

Pleural catheter removal, tunneled catheter with cuff

32552-51 · Second procedure: 50%

$95.36

When this isn’t the highest-valued procedure in the session, Medicare pays 50% of its fee schedule amount (the highest is paid at 100%).

When to use modifier 51

Codes related to 32552

Related codes aren’t interchangeable: bill the code that matches the service performed.

Codes related to 32552
CodeHow it relatesOffice range, Fort Worth, TX
Same family
32550Pleural catheter, tunneled catheter with cuffInsertion of a tunneled pleural catheter with a cuff; 32552 describes its removal.$773.59
Used instead
32551Chest tube, open thoracostomyChest-tube placement is a different approach when pleural drainage is needed.No office rate
32554Thoracentesis, without imaging guidanceThoracentesis provides pleural fluid aspiration rather than removal of an indwelling catheter.$257.43

How 32552 has changed in Fort Worth, TX

32552 · Office / nonfacility

$188.56

Effective 2026-10-01

The base rate is $12.36 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $176.20 to $188.56 (7.0%).

It is unchanged from the immediately preceding available release, effective 2026-07-01.

Base rate by release · bars start at $0 · select a bar to compare

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

  1. January 1, 2026

    RVU26A

    $176.20changed to$188.56

    • Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
    • Work RVU 2.53 changed to 2.47
    • Practice expense RVU 2.57 changed to 2.88
    • Work GPCI 1.011 changed to 1.009
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.998 changed to 0.986
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.902 changed to 0.871

    Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.

  2. January 1, 2025

    RVU25A

    $181.30changed to$176.20

    • Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
    • Practice expense RVU 2.56 changed to 2.57
    • Malpractice RVU 0.37 changed to 0.36

    Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.

  3. March 9, 2024

    RVU24AR

    $178.34changed to$181.30

    • Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875

    Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.

  4. January 1, 2024

    RVU24A

    $181.71changed to$178.34

    • Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
    • Practice expense RVU 2.55 changed to 2.56
    • Malpractice RVU 0.36 changed to 0.37
    • Work GPCI 1.013 changed to 1.011
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.996 changed to 0.998
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.721 changed to 0.902

  5. January 1, 2023

    RVU23A

    $182.94changed to$181.71

    • Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
    • Practice expense RVU 2.54 changed to 2.55
    • Malpractice RVU 0.35 changed to 0.36
    • Work GPCI 1.016 changed to 1.013
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.995 changed to 0.996
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.539 changed to 0.721

    Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.

  6. January 1, 2022

    RVU22A

    $183.95changed to$182.94

    • Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
    • Practice expense RVU 2.52 changed to 2.54
    • Malpractice RVU 0.36 changed to 0.35

    Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.

  7. January 1, 2021

    RVU21A

    $186.27changed to$183.95

    • Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
    • Practice expense RVU 2.40 changed to 2.52
    • Malpractice RVU 0.35 changed to 0.36
    • Work GPCI 1.011 changed to 1.016
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.991 changed to 0.995
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.643 changed to 0.539

    Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.

  8. January 1, 2020

    RVU20A

    $185.73changed to$186.27

    • Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
    • Practice expense RVU 2.37 changed to 2.40
    • Malpractice RVU 0.36 changed to 0.35
    • Work GPCI 1.007 changed to 1.011
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.986 changed to 0.991
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.747 changed to 0.643

    Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.

  9. January 1, 2019

    RVU19A

    $185.17changed to$185.73

    • Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
    • Practice expense RVU 2.36 changed to 2.37

    Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.

  10. January 1, 2018

    RVU18AR1

    $186.00changed to$185.17

    • Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
    • Practice expense RVU 2.37 changed to 2.36
    • Malpractice RVU 0.38 changed to 0.36
    • Work GPCI 1.006 changed to 1.007
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.991 changed to 0.986
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.760 changed to 0.747

    Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.

  11. January 1, 2017

    RVU17A

    $187.32changed to$186.00

    • Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
    • Practice expense RVU 2.40 changed to 2.37
    • Malpractice RVU 0.39 changed to 0.38
    • Work GPCI 1.005 changed to 1.006
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.995 changed to 0.991
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.772 changed to 0.760

    Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.

  12. January 1, 2016

    RVU16A

    $188.63changed to$187.32

    • Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
    • Practice expense RVU 2.41 changed to 2.40
    • Malpractice RVU 0.40 changed to 0.39

    Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.

  13. July 1, 2015

    RVU15C

    $187.69changed to$188.63

    • Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335

    Held through RVU15D.

  14. January 1, 2015

    RVU15A

    $191.28changed to$187.69

    • Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
    • Practice expense RVU 2.38 changed to 2.41
    • Malpractice RVU 0.57 changed to 0.40
    • Work GPCI 1.002 changed to 1.005
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.987 changed to 0.995
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.799 changed to 0.772

    Held through RVU15B.

  15. January 1, 2014

    RVU14A

    $191.21changed to$191.28

    • Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
    • Practice expense RVU 2.65 changed to 2.38
    • Malpractice RVU 0.60 changed to 0.57
    • Work GPCI 1.000 changed to 1.002
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.979 changed to 0.987
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.826 changed to 0.799

    Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.

  16. January 1, 2013

    RVU13AR

    Earliest loaded release: $191.21

    Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.

Rates in every CMS release
Effective fromOfficeFacilityCMS release
2026-10-01$188.56$146.08RVU26D
2026-07-01$188.56$146.08RVU26C
2026-04-01$188.56$146.08RVU26B
2026-01-01$188.56$146.08RVU26A
2025-10-01$176.20$150.70RVU25D
2025-07-01$176.20$150.70RVU25C
2025-04-01$176.20$150.70RVU25B
2025-01-01$176.20$150.70RVU25A
2024-10-01$181.30$154.72RVU24D
2024-07-01$181.30$154.72RVU24C
2024-04-01$181.30$154.72RVU24B
2024-03-09$181.30$154.72RVU24AR
2024-01-01$178.34$152.20RVU24A
2023-10-01$181.71$154.71RVU23D
2023-07-01$181.71$154.71RVU23C
2023-04-01$181.71$154.71RVU23B
2023-01-01$181.71$154.71RVU23A
2022-10-01$182.94$155.40RVU22D
2022-07-01$182.94$155.40RVU22C
2022-04-01$182.94$155.40RVU22B
2022-01-01$182.94$155.40RVU22A
2021-10-01$183.95$156.87RVU21D
2021-07-01$183.95$156.87RVU21C
2021-04-01$183.95$156.87RVU21B
2021-01-01$183.95$156.87RVU21A
2020-10-01$186.27$160.16RVU20D
2020-07-01$186.27$160.16RVU20C
2020-04-01$186.27$160.16RVU20B
2020-01-01$186.27$160.16RVU20A
2019-10-01$185.73$160.50RVU19D
2019-07-01$185.73$160.50RVU19C
2019-04-01$185.73$160.50RVU19B
2019-01-01$185.73$160.50RVU19A
2018-10-01$185.17$160.32RVU18D
2018-07-01$185.17$160.32RVU18C
2018-04-01$185.17$160.32RVU18B
2018-01-01$185.17$160.32RVU18AR1
2017-10-01$186.00$161.10RVU17D
2017-07-01$186.00$161.10RVU17C
2017-04-01$186.00$161.10RVU17B
2017-01-01$186.00$161.10RVU17A
2016-10-01$187.32$162.02RVU16D
2016-07-01$187.32$162.02RVU16C
2016-04-01$187.32$162.02RVU16B
2016-01-01$187.32$162.02RVU16A
2015-10-01$188.63$163.24RVU15D
2015-07-01$188.63$163.24RVU15C
2015-04-01$187.69$162.43RVU15B
2015-01-01$187.69$162.43RVU15A
2014-10-01$191.28$166.88RVU14D
2014-07-01$191.28$166.88RVU14C
2014-04-01$191.28$166.88RVU14B
2014-01-01$191.28$166.88RVU14A
2013-10-01$191.21$164.89RVU13D
2013-07-01$191.21$164.89RVU13C
2013-04-01$191.21$164.89RVU13B
2013-01-01$191.21$164.89RVU13AR

Price 32552 for an earlier date of service

Where the Fort Worth, TX rate applies

Fort Worth, TX is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 45 cities and communities in Texas. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.

Browse all communities in Texas

32552 billing questions

How does this differ from 32550?

32552 reports removal of a tunneled pleural catheter with a cuff. 32550 reports insertion of that catheter.

Is pleural fluid aspiration included?

The service is catheter removal, not thoracentesis. A separately performed aspiration is a distinct service and should be documented as such.

Can modifier 50 be used for catheters on both sides?

No. Modifier 50 is inappropriate for this catheter-removal service.

What documentation supports reporting this code?

Document that the catheter was tunneled and had a cuff, identify the catheter removed, and describe the removal performed.

Are postoperative visits separately reported during the global period?

Related postoperative visits during the 10-day global period are included in the 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
RVUs for 32552PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv, line 3,731 (RVU26D)
Geographic factors for Fort Worth, TXGPCI2026.csv, line 100 (RVU26D)

Open CMS sourceHow we calculate rates

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