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CPT®
32405

CPT® Code 32405
Deleted

Code deleted, see 32408 for percutaneous core needle biopsy of lung or mediastinum

Official Description

Biopsy, lung or mediastinum, percutaneous needle

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 32405 refers to a percutaneous needle biopsy of the lung or mediastinum. This minimally invasive technique involves the use of a needle to obtain tissue samples from the lung or mediastinal area for diagnostic purposes. Prior to the procedure, a local anesthetic is administered to minimize discomfort for the patient. In cases where the lesion is not easily palpable, imaging guidance may be employed to accurately locate the lesion. This guidance can be provided through various imaging modalities, including fluoroscopy, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Once the lesion is located, a needle is inserted to collect tissue samples, which are then sent to a pathology laboratory for examination. This procedure is essential for diagnosing various lung conditions, including tumors, infections, and other abnormalities, allowing for appropriate treatment planning based on the pathology results.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The percutaneous needle biopsy of the lung or mediastinum, as described by CPT® Code 32405, is indicated for several clinical scenarios. These include:

  • Suspicion of Lung Tumors The procedure is often performed when there is a suspicion of malignancy in lung lesions, allowing for histological confirmation.
  • Evaluation of Mediastinal Masses It is indicated for assessing mediastinal masses that may be benign or malignant, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions such as lymphoma or thymoma.
  • Infectious Processes The biopsy may be necessary to evaluate infectious processes in the lung or mediastinum, such as abscesses or granulomatous diseases.
  • Unexplained Pulmonary Symptoms It is also indicated in cases of unexplained pulmonary symptoms where a definitive diagnosis is required to guide treatment.

2. Procedure

The procedure for a percutaneous needle biopsy of the lung or mediastinum involves several key steps, which are detailed as follows:

  • Step 1: Preparation The patient is positioned appropriately, and the area of the biopsy is cleaned and sterilized to reduce the risk of infection. A local anesthetic is then administered to numb the area where the needle will be inserted, ensuring the patient experiences minimal discomfort during the procedure.
  • Step 2: Imaging Guidance If the lesion is not palpable, imaging guidance is utilized to accurately locate the lesion. This may involve the use of fluoroscopy, ultrasound, CT, or MR imaging. The selected imaging modality helps the physician visualize the lesion in real-time, ensuring precise needle placement.
  • Step 3: Needle Insertion Once the lesion is located, a percutaneous needle is carefully inserted through the skin and into the lung or mediastinum. The physician may use a core biopsy needle or a fine-needle aspiration needle, depending on the type of tissue sample required.
  • Step 4: Tissue Sample Collection Tissue samples are obtained by aspirating or cutting through the lesion with the needle. Multiple samples may be collected to ensure adequate tissue for pathological examination.
  • Step 5: Post-Procedure Care After the tissue samples are collected, the needle is withdrawn, and pressure is applied to the biopsy site to minimize bleeding. The samples are then sent to a pathology laboratory for analysis.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the percutaneous needle biopsy, patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications, such as bleeding or pneumothorax. Instructions for post-procedure care may include avoiding strenuous activities for a specified period and monitoring the biopsy site for signs of infection or excessive swelling. Patients may also be advised to follow up with their healthcare provider to discuss the pathology results and any further management based on the findings.
Short Descr PERCUT BX LUNG/MEDIASTINUM
Medium Descr BIOPSY LUNG/MEDIASTINUM PERCUTANEOUS NEEDLE
Long Descr Biopsy, lung or mediastinum, percutaneous needle
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P1G - Major procedure - Other
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 38 - Other diagnostic procedures on lung and bronchus
Date
Action
Notes
2020-12-31 Deleted Code deleted, see 32408 for percutaneous core needle biopsy of lung or mediastinum
2017-01-01 Changed Moderate (Conscious) Sedation flag removed. See new Moderate Sedation category.
2012-01-01 Changed Description Changed
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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