How To Use CPT Code 33030

CPT 33030 describes a surgical procedure known as pericardiectomy, which involves the removal of damaged pericardial tissue without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. This article will provide an overview of CPT code 33030, including its official description, the procedure itself, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 33030?

CPT 33030 is a code used to describe the surgical procedure of pericardiectomy. This procedure involves the removal of damaged pericardial tissue without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. It is typically performed when the patient is under anesthesia and properly prepped. The provider makes an incision, either on the front of the chest (median sternotomy) or on the side (anterolateral thoracotomy), and uses a rib spreader to separate the ribs. The damaged pericardial tissue is then excised, and the incisions are closed and dressed.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33030 is: ‘Pericardiectomy, subtotal or complete; without cardiopulmonary bypass.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider makes an incision, either on the front of the chest (median sternotomy) or on the side (anterolateral thoracotomy).
3. A rib spreader is used to separate the ribs and provide access to the pericardium.
4. The provider excises the damaged pericardial tissue.
5. The incisions are closed and dressed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 33030 is performed on patients who require the surgical removal of pericardial tissue due to damage or other related conditions. It is important to note that this procedure is performed without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. The patient must meet the necessary criteria for the surgery, and the provider must determine that a pericardiectomy is the appropriate course of action.

5. When to use CPT code 33030

CPT code 33030 should be used when a provider performs a pericardiectomy without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. If cardiopulmonary bypass is used during the surgery, a different code, such as CPT 33031, should be used instead.

6. Documentation requirements

When documenting a claim for CPT code 33030, the provider must include the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for pericardiectomy
• Details of the procedure, including the specific approach used (median sternotomy or anterolateral thoracotomy)
• Date of the surgery
• Any additional relevant information or complications encountered during the procedure
• Signature of the performing provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 33030, it is important to ensure that the procedure was performed without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. If cardiopulmonary bypass was used, a different code should be reported. It is also important to follow any additional guidelines or requirements set forth by the payer or coding guidelines. It is recommended to review the specific billing guidelines for CPT code 33030 to ensure accurate reporting and reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT code 33030 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code has not undergone any updates or changes since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes a pericardiectomy without cardiopulmonary bypass to remove damaged pericardial tissue.
2. A provider performs a pericardiectomy using a median sternotomy approach on a patient with pericardial disease.
3. A pericardiectomy is performed on a patient with pericardial effusion, utilizing an anterolateral thoracotomy approach.
4. A provider performs a subtotal pericardiectomy without cardiopulmonary bypass on a patient with constrictive pericarditis.
5. A pericardiectomy is performed on a patient with pericardial tamponade, using a minimally invasive approach.