Answer;
No:
A diagnostic thoracoscopy is always included in the surgical VATs
Step-by-step explanation;
VATs means Video assisted thoracic surgery.
Thoracoscopy is an endoscopical procedure completed on the lungs to visualize pleura, lungs and mediastinum using an endoscope
One thing to note is that a surgical thoracoscopy always includes a diagnostic thoracoscopy.
The diagnostic thoracoscopy codes are differentiated by the site and type of procedure performed.