Pneumocentesis Definition, Meaning, Procedure, CPT Code | Pneumocentesis vs Thoracentesis

Pneumocentesis is the synonym of paracentesis. Paracentesis is defined as a process in which a catheter or a needle is used to obtain fluid from peritoneal cavity. Pneumocentesis is the same procedure. The only difference between pneumocentesis and paracentesis is the site of needle insertion. Pneumocentesis is the process in which needle or a catheter is inserted inside lungs to obtain fluid for sampling. Pneumocentesis is also performed to remove vacuum from lung cavity. It is the easiest process.

It is performed only when medications are of no use. Usually people with cirrhosis have ascitic fluid in their body and paracentesis or pneumocentesis are performed to remove this ascitic fluid from body. This fluid is then passed on to lab for further testing. There are some other indications for which this process is used. It is performed to collect fluid for evaluation of any bacterial infection. This process is performed in traumatic condition to check blood in cavity and last but not least it is performed to check the presence of cancerous cells. There are some contraindications for pneumocentesis or paracentesis and these contraindications include pregnancy, adhesions in abdomen, any lung infection like asthma, distended bowel and many others.

Pneumocentesis Procedure


Pneumocentesis or paracentesis is the same procedure. It is a simple process which is performed to drain fluid out of lungs. For example in case of pneumonia, fluid start accumulating in the lungs. So pneumocentesis is performed to drain that fluid out of lung. In this procedure, a catheter or a fine needle is used to puncture chest from front side and through this needle the ascitic fluid is drained off. After completing process, the needle is removed and a bandage is applied. The bandage helps to recover wound made by needle. It is the short time process and healing time is also short with faster recovery.

Pneumocentesis Definition, Meaning, Procedure, CPT Code  Pneumocentesis vs Thoracentesis

Pneumocentesis CPT CODE


CPT is abbreviated as current procedural terminology code which is assigned to every procedure in medical science. Pneumocentesis also has a code. The code changes with time. Like in 2012 the CPT code for pneumocentesis was 32420 but this code was deleted in 2013. In 2013 it was directed to use code 32405 for lung biopsy or needle. After that it didn't change but updated every year. The current code for pneumocentesis is 32420. This code is used to report about this procedure. This code will update soon in 2018.

Pneumocentesis Vs Thoracentesis


Pneumocentesis is the process used to drain fluid from lungs whereas thoracentesis is the process used to remove fluid from space between lungs and the chest wall. This is the main difference between pneumocentesis and thoracentesis. In both the process, a hollow needle is used to insert inside body and withdraw fluid for sampling or removing excess fluid. During procedure, in thoracentesis, patient is asked to sit on a specified bench and lean on the table ahead while in pneumocentesis, the patient does not have to sit. The complications are less in pneumocentesis as compared to thoracentesis.
Pneumocentesis Definition, Meaning, Procedure, CPT Code | Pneumocentesis vs Thoracentesis Pneumocentesis Definition, Meaning, Procedure, CPT Code | Pneumocentesis vs Thoracentesis  Reviewed by Simon Albert on April 12, 2019 Rating: 5
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