CPT 38381
Thoracic duct procedure
CPT 38381 at a glance
- Code
- 38381
- Code type
- CPT/HCPCS (Add. EE)
- Short descriptor
- Thoracic duct procedure
- Category
- Excluded from ASC Pay (Add. EE)
- ASC payment status
- Excluded from ASC payment
- CMS addendum
- EE (Excluded)
- Typical setting
- Hospital outpatient department (POS 22) or office (POS 11). Not separately payable in an ASC.
What is CPT code 38381?
CPT 38381 is a CPT/HCPCS (Add. EE) procedure code. Its official CMS short descriptor is "Thoracic duct procedure". In the ASC context it is grouped under Excluded from ASC Pay (Add. EE).
Is CPT 38381 payable in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC)?
CPT 38381 is on CMS Addendum EE, the list of procedures excluded from ASC payment. Medicare does not pay for it in the ASC setting; it is typically performed in a hospital outpatient department (HOPD) or office instead.
Where is CPT 38381 typically performed?
Hospital outpatient department (POS 22) or office (POS 11). Not separately payable in an ASC.
Which specialties use CPT 38381?
CPT 38381 is most associated with General Surgery.
Reference information compiled from the CMS April 2026 ASC payment addenda (AA, BB, EE). Codes, descriptors, and ASC payment status change with each CMS update. This is a coding reference, not billing, coding, or legal advice. Always verify against the current CMS addenda and individual payer policy before billing. CPT is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association.