Thoracostomy Experts

Hi. I'm a new coder to the "Surgical" world. I started about a month ago after doing about 3yrs in the ED world. Anyhow, a doctor just asked me today to go on a list-serv and see if he can bill for 32421 along with 32551 (which is a sep procedure). He didn't give me any more info that the codes. Is it even possible. Like I said, I'm new to this (I'm so grateful for the job & opportunity) but don't even know where to begin. Any help is appreciated, Jen

32551

Thoracentesis with insertion of tube, includes water seal- 32421
CPT procedure code 32551 (Tube thoracostomy, includes water seal, when performed
"Separate procedure" means the code has to be the only service performed, OR, code 32551 is unrelated to main code. It does not appear you can separately bill code 32551 at same encounter as code 32421.