CPT code 32998: Lung tumor ablation, percutaneous, radiofrequency2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Montana
Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation reduces or destroys one or more pulmonary tumors, with imaging guidance included when performed.
In Montana, Medicare pays $2,922.51 for 32998 in the office and $380.70 when it’s performed in a hospital or facility.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 32998 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 32998 covers
Code 32998 covers percutaneous radiofrequency treatment intended to destroy or reduce one or more lung tumors. An interventional radiologist or thoracic specialist typically advances an RF probe through the chest wall into the target, often using CT or other imaging. It is performed in a procedural setting for selected patients with a primary lung tumor or pulmonary metastasis; imaging guidance, when performed, is included in the service.
Report this code for radiofrequency ablation, not cryoablation or a diagnostic needle biopsy. One service covers one or more tumors treated during the procedure; document the targets, laterality, percutaneous approach, and RF technique. The 0-day global period includes same-day preoperative and postoperative care. When multiple procedures occur in one session, the highest-valued procedure is paid in full and the others at 50%. Bilateral treatment with modifier 50 is paid at 150%. An assistant at surgery may be 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 Montana compares for 32998
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 32998 runs from $2,540.22 in Arkansas to $4,085.91 in San Benito County, CA. Montana pays $2,922.51. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- Montana · this page$2,922.51
- Los Angeles, CA · California$3,397.99+$475.48
- Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$3,404.14+$481.63
- Miami, FL · Florida$3,081.05+$158.54
- Chicago, IL · Illinois$2,981.73+$59.22
- Manhattan, NY · New York$3,381.68+$459.17
- Alaska · Alaska$3,222.89+$300.38
Other areas in Montana first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| AlabamaAlabama | $2,583.47 | $359.39 |
| ArkansasArkansas | $2,540.22 | $356.81 |
| ArizonaArizona | $2,837.24 | $374.23 |
| Bakersfield, CACalifornia | $3,163.92 | $378.10 |
| Chico, CACalifornia | $3,160.85 | $375.03 |
| El Centro, CACalifornia | $3,161.02 | $375.20 |
| Fresno, CACalifornia | $3,160.85 | $375.03 |
| Hanford, CACalifornia | $3,160.85 | $375.03 |
| Madera, CACalifornia | $3,160.85 | $375.03 |
| Merced, CACalifornia | $3,160.85 | $375.03 |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $3,160.85 | $375.03 |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $3,749.41 | $399.31 |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $3,390.18 | $385.76 |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $3,160.85 | $375.03 |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $3,160.85 | $375.03 |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $3,171.94 | $386.12 |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $3,340.27 | $384.15 |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $3,328.42 | $382.47 |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $3,424.33 | $384.33 |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $3,995.85 | $411.90 |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $3,994.69 | $410.74 |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $4,085.91 | $420.62 |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $4,081.17 | $415.88 |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $3,272.41 | $377.29 |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $3,470.78 | $382.48 |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $3,345.70 | $381.95 |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $3,507.15 | $385.81 |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $3,160.85 | $375.03 |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $3,747.74 | $397.64 |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $3,160.85 | $375.03 |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $3,160.85 | $375.03 |
| ColoradoColorado | $3,084.70 | $380.21 |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $3,135.39 | $397.87 |
| DelawareDelaware | $2,889.47 | $378.17 |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $2,983.84 | $408.98 |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $2,825.55 | $395.58 |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $2,971.82 | $389.34 |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $2,648.91 | $381.61 |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $3,263.69 | $373.66 |
| IowaIowa | $2,681.50 | $355.74 |
| IdahoIdaho | $2,697.06 | $358.59 |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $2,749.56 | $411.09 |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $2,716.03 | $395.36 |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $3,020.99 | $410.55 |
| IndianaIndiana | $2,715.66 | $359.41 |
| KansasKansas | $2,656.60 | $358.81 |
| KentuckyKentucky | $2,631.68 | $372.02 |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $2,774.13 | $382.29 |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $2,622.77 | $373.27 |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $3,434.23 | $399.31 |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $3,057.88 | $381.35 |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $3,124.76 | $397.40 |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $2,953.86 | $381.55 |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $2,702.13 | $363.67 |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $2,886.66 | $367.72 |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $2,855.14 | $402.29 |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $2,701.25 | $380.57 |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $2,973.84 | $358.32 |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $2,763.53 | $376.77 |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $2,798.11 | $378.31 |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $2,563.64 | $372.60 |
| MississippiMississippi | $2,553.04 | $364.54 |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $2,736.44 | $364.94 |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $2,902.34 | $360.53 |
| NebraskaNebraska | $2,701.61 | $355.52 |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $3,024.70 | $378.68 |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $3,358.55 | $410.05 |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $3,176.34 | $400.69 |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | $2,714.08 | $383.24 |
| NevadaNevada | $2,919.48 | $375.13 |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $3,460.96 | $438.75 |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $3,189.45 | $406.16 |
| Queens, NYNew York | $3,428.66 | $424.24 |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $2,782.73 | $368.01 |
| OhioOhio | $2,697.12 | $376.45 |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $2,637.36 | $367.53 |
| Portland, OROregon | $3,206.56 | $382.61 |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $2,902.08 | $370.44 |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $3,040.82 | $394.80 |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $2,707.95 | $374.57 |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $2,950.61 | $380.84 |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $3,010.11 | $384.42 |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $2,720.28 | $371.65 |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $2,899.96 | $358.15 |
| TennesseeTennessee | $2,670.70 | $360.19 |
| Austin, TXTexas | $3,069.77 | $380.54 |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | $2,686.65 | $373.60 |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | $2,894.08 | $375.15 |
| Dallas, TXTexas | $2,910.01 | $378.37 |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | $2,884.51 | $378.28 |
| Galveston, TXTexas | $2,900.91 | $376.89 |
| Houston, TXTexas | $2,919.58 | $395.56 |
| Rest of TexasTexas | $2,786.95 | $374.77 |
| UtahUtah | $2,763.43 | $374.13 |
| VirginiaVirginia | $2,868.45 | $369.86 |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $2,950.61 | $380.84 |
| VermontVermont | $2,879.80 | $363.41 |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $3,055.77 | $379.25 |
| King County, WAWashington | $3,520.01 | $401.21 |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $2,790.03 | $354.98 |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $2,597.37 | $388.54 |
| WyomingWyoming | $2,913.72 | $371.91 |
32998 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.
$2,540.22
$3,623.38
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 | $3,222.89 | 1 |
| AL | $2,583.47 | 1 |
| AR | $2,540.22 | 1 |
| AZ | $2,837.24 | 1 |
| CA | $3,160.85–$4,085.91 | 29 |
| CO | $3,084.70 | 1 |
| CT | $3,135.39 | 1 |
| DC | $3,404.14 | 1 |
| DE | $2,889.47 | 1 |
| FL | $2,825.55–$3,081.05 | 3 |
| GA | $2,648.91–$2,971.82 | 2 |
| GU | $3,263.69 | 1 |
| HI | $3,263.69 | 1 |
| IA | $2,681.50 | 1 |
| ID | $2,697.06 | 1 |
| IL | $2,716.03–$3,020.99 | 4 |
| IN | $2,715.66 | 1 |
| KS | $2,656.60 | 1 |
| KY | $2,631.68 | 1 |
| LA | $2,622.77–$2,774.13 | 2 |
| MA | $3,057.88–$3,434.23 | 2 |
| MD | $2,953.86–$3,404.14 | 3 |
| ME | $2,702.13–$2,886.66 | 2 |
| MI | $2,701.25–$2,855.14 | 2 |
| MN | $2,973.84 | 1 |
| MO | $2,563.64–$2,798.11 | 3 |
| MS | $2,553.04 | 1 |
| MT | $2,922.51 | 1 |
| NC | $2,736.44 | 1 |
| ND | $2,902.34 | 1 |
| NE | $2,701.61 | 1 |
| NH | $3,024.70 | 1 |
| NJ | $3,176.34–$3,358.55 | 2 |
| NM | $2,714.08 | 1 |
| NV | $2,919.48 | 1 |
| NY | $2,782.73–$3,460.96 | 5 |
| OH | $2,697.12 | 1 |
| OK | $2,637.36 | 1 |
| OR | $2,902.08–$3,206.56 | 2 |
| PA | $2,707.95–$3,040.82 | 2 |
| PR | $2,950.61 | 1 |
| RI | $3,010.11 | 1 |
| SC | $2,720.28 | 1 |
| SD | $2,899.96 | 1 |
| TN | $2,670.70 | 1 |
| TX | $2,686.65–$3,069.77 | 8 |
| UT | $2,763.43 | 1 |
| VA | $2,868.45–$3,404.14 | 2 |
| VI | $2,950.61 | 1 |
| VT | $2,879.80 | 1 |
| WA | $3,055.77–$3,520.01 | 2 |
| WI | $2,790.03 | 1 |
| WV | $2,597.37 | 1 |
| WY | $2,913.72 | 1 |
How the 32998 rate is calculated
Each of 32998’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 · 32998
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work8.80
8.80 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense77.68
77.68 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice1.02
1.02 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
87.5000
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$2,922.58
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact Montana inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
3,811
- Code
- 32998
- Physician work
- 8.80
- Practice expense
- 77.68
- Malpractice
- 1.02
GPCI2026.csv
71
- Locality
- Montana
- Physician work
- 1.000
- Practice expense
- 1.000
- Malpractice
- 0.998
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 8.80 | × 1.000 | 8.8000 |
| Practice expense | 77.68 | × 1.000 | 77.6800 |
| Malpractice | 1.02 | × 0.998 | 1.0180 |
| Total RVUs | 87.4980 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, Montana$2922.51
Office: (8.8 × 1 + 77.68 × 1 + 1.02 × 0.998) × $33.4009 = $2922.51
Facility: (8.8 × 1 + 1.58 × 1 + 1.02 × 0.998) × $33.4009 = $380.70
Payment rules and modifiers for 32998
The CMS indicators that decide how 32998 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 32998
Lung tumor ablation, percutaneous, radiofrequency
| 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 | 2 | Standard reduction: highest-valued procedure at 100%, others at 50%. |
| Bilateral (modifier 50) | 1 | Bilateral with modifier 50 pays 150% of the fee schedule amount. |
| Assistant at surgery (80/81/82/AS) | 2 | Paid. |
| Co-surgeons (62) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Team surgery (66) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Professional/technical | 0 | Physician service: no professional/technical split. |
What modifiers do to the payment
Modifier 50 · payment effect
With and without the modifier
32998 without 50 · national office
$2,922.58
Lung tumor ablation, percutaneous, radiofrequency
32998-50 · Bilateral: 150%
$4,383.87
Both sides on one line with modifier 50 are paid at 150% of the fee schedule amount (subject to multiple-procedure rules with other procedures).
How 32998 has changed in Montana
32998 · Office / nonfacility
$2922.51
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $73.78 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $2848.73 to $2922.51 (2.6%).
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
$2848.73changed to$2922.51
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Work RVU 9.03 changed to 8.80
- Practice expense RVU 78.12 changed to 77.68
- Malpractice RVU 0.94 changed to 1.02
- Malpractice GPCI 0.978 changed to 0.998
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$3025.12changed to$2848.73
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
- Practice expense RVU 80.90 changed to 78.12
- Malpractice RVU 0.97 changed to 0.94
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$2975.75changed to$3025.12
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$3197.23changed to$2975.75
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Practice expense RVU 84.39 changed to 80.90
- Malpractice RVU 0.95 changed to 0.97
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$3355.77changed to$3197.23
- Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
- Practice expense RVU 87.10 changed to 84.39
- Malpractice RVU 0.86 changed to 0.95
- Malpractice GPCI 0.977 changed to 0.978
Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
January 1, 2022
RVU22A
$3580.08changed to$3355.77
- Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
- Practice expense RVU 92.78 changed to 87.10
- Malpractice RVU 0.81 changed to 0.86
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
January 1, 2021
RVU21A
$3602.11changed to$3580.08
- Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
- Practice expense RVU 89.75 changed to 92.78
- Malpractice RVU 0.79 changed to 0.81
- Malpractice GPCI 1.304 changed to 0.977
Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.
January 1, 2020
RVU20A
$3644.45changed to$3602.11
- Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
- Practice expense RVU 90.79 changed to 89.75
- Malpractice RVU 0.80 changed to 0.79
- Malpractice GPCI 1.631 changed to 1.304
Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.
January 1, 2019
RVU19A
$3723.57changed to$3644.45
- Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
- Practice expense RVU 93.05 changed to 90.79
- Malpractice RVU 0.83 changed to 0.80
Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.
January 1, 2018
RVU18AR1
$1980.09changed to$3723.57
- Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
- Work RVU 5.68 changed to 9.03
- Practice expense RVU 48.75 changed to 93.05
- Malpractice RVU 0.52 changed to 0.83
- Malpractice GPCI 1.429 changed to 1.631
Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.
January 1, 2017
RVU17A
$2439.89changed to$1980.09
- Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
- Practice expense RVU 61.84 changed to 48.75
- Malpractice RVU 0.51 changed to 0.52
- Malpractice GPCI 1.226 changed to 1.429
Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.
January 1, 2016
RVU16A
$3024.28changed to$2439.89
- Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
- Practice expense RVU 77.76 changed to 61.84
- Malpractice RVU 0.59 changed to 0.51
Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.
July 1, 2015
RVU15C
$3009.23changed to$3024.28
- Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335
Held through RVU15D.
January 1, 2015
RVU15A
$2994.93changed to$3009.23
- Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
- Practice expense RVU 77.26 changed to 77.76
- Malpractice RVU 0.57 changed to 0.59
- Malpractice GPCI 1.165 changed to 1.226
Held through RVU15B.
January 1, 2014
RVU14A
$3090.37changed to$2994.93
- Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
- Practice expense RVU 84.49 changed to 77.26
- Malpractice RVU 0.60 changed to 0.57
- Malpractice GPCI 1.103 changed to 1.165
Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.
January 1, 2013
RVU13AR
Earliest loaded release: $3090.37
Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | $2,922.51 | $380.70 | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $2,922.51 | $380.70 | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $2,922.51 | $380.70 | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $2,922.51 | $380.70 | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $2,848.73 | $415.95 | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $2,848.73 | $415.95 | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $2,848.73 | $415.95 | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $2,848.73 | $415.95 | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $3,025.12 | $425.04 | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $3,025.12 | $425.04 | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $3,025.12 | $425.04 | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $3,025.12 | $425.04 | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $2,975.75 | $418.10 | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $3,197.23 | $434.40 | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $3,197.23 | $434.40 | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $3,197.23 | $434.40 | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $3,197.23 | $434.40 | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $3,355.77 | $438.81 | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $3,355.77 | $438.81 | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $3,355.77 | $438.81 | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $3,355.77 | $438.81 | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | $3,580.08 | $441.45 | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | $3,580.08 | $441.45 | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | $3,580.08 | $441.45 | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | $3,580.08 | $441.45 | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | $3,602.11 | $469.53 | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | $3,602.11 | $469.53 | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | $3,602.11 | $469.53 | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | $3,602.11 | $469.53 | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | $3,644.45 | $480.21 | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | $3,644.45 | $480.21 | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | $3,644.45 | $480.21 | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | $3,644.45 | $480.21 | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | $3,723.57 | $485.41 | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | $3,723.57 | $485.41 | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | $3,723.57 | $485.41 | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | $3,723.57 | $485.41 | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | $1,980.09 | $301.93 | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | $1,980.09 | $301.93 | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | $1,980.09 | $301.93 | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | $1,980.09 | $301.93 | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | $2,439.89 | $299.15 | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | $2,439.89 | $299.15 | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | $2,439.89 | $299.15 | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | $2,439.89 | $299.15 | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | $3,024.28 | $303.40 | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | $3,024.28 | $303.40 | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | $3,009.23 | $301.89 | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | $3,009.23 | $301.89 | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | $2,994.93 | $301.06 | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | $2,994.93 | $301.06 | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | $2,994.93 | $301.06 | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | $2,994.93 | $301.06 | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | $3,090.37 | $288.92 | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | $3,090.37 | $288.92 | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | $3,090.37 | $288.92 | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | $3,090.37 | $288.92 | RVU13AR |
Where the Montana rate applies
Montana is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 497 cities and communities in Montana. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
- Absarokee
- Acton
- Alberton
- Alder
- Alzada
- Amsterdam
- Anaconda-Deer Lodge County
- Antelope
32998 billing questions
When should 32998 be chosen instead of 32994?
Use 32998 for percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of pulmonary tumor tissue. Code 32994 describes the cryoablation method.
Can imaging guidance be billed separately?
Imaging guidance, when performed for the ablation, is included in 32998. Do not separately report guidance for that same service.
How should bilateral lung treatment be reported?
For bilateral treatment, report modifier 50. CMS pays the bilateral procedure at 150%.
Does the number of tumors determine the units?
The code covers treatment of one or more pulmonary tumors. Document the treated targets and do not assign units solely by counting tumors.
What documentation supports reporting 32998?
Document the pulmonary tumor targets, laterality, percutaneous approach, use of radiofrequency, and imaging guidance when performed.
How are other procedures in the same session paid?
Under the standard multiple procedure reduction, the highest-valued procedure is paid in full and other procedures are paid at 50%.
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
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Fee sheets
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