How To Use CPT Code 33050

CPT 33050 describes the resection of a pericardial cyst or tumor. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 33050?

CPT 33050 involves the removal of a tumor or cyst from the pericardium, which is the membrane that covers the heart. This procedure is performed by a healthcare provider after the patient is properly prepped and anesthetized. The provider makes an incision, either on the front of the chest (median sternotomy) or on the side (anterolateral thoracotomy), to access the pericardium. The mass is then excised with margins, and a bovine pericardial patch may be used to close the defect. The surgical incisions are closed, and the sternal wound is dressed.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33050 is the “Resection of pericardial cyst or tumor.” It is important to note that for open pericardial biopsy, a different code (39010) should be used. Additionally, for thoracoscopic (VATS) resection of pericardial cyst, tumor, or mass, the appropriate code is 32661.

3. Procedure

The provider begins by making an incision, either through a median sternotomy or an anterolateral thoracotomy, to access the pericardium. Once the pericardium is exposed, the provider carefully removes the tumor or cyst, ensuring to excise it with margins. If necessary, a bovine pericardial patch may be used to close any defects. Finally, the provider closes the surgical incisions and dresses the sternal wound.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 33050 is performed on patients who have a pericardial cyst or tumor that requires resection. The procedure is typically carried out by a qualified healthcare provider who has the necessary expertise in performing pericardial resections. It is important to note that for open pericardial biopsy, a different code (39010) should be used. Additionally, for thoracoscopic (VATS) resection of pericardial cyst, tumor, or mass, the appropriate code is 32661.

5. When to use CPT code 33050

CPT code 33050 should be used when a pericardial cyst or tumor needs to be resected. It is important to ensure that the procedure performed aligns with the description provided by the code. If the procedure involves open pericardial biopsy, a different code (39010) should be used. Similarly, if the procedure is a thoracoscopic (VATS) resection of a pericardial cyst, tumor, or mass, the appropriate code is 32661.

6. Documentation requirements

When documenting a claim for CPT code 33050, the healthcare provider should include the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis indicating the presence of a pericardial cyst or tumor
• Details of the procedure performed, including the approach (median sternotomy or anterolateral thoracotomy)
• Documentation of the excision of the cyst or tumor with margins
• Use of a bovine pericardial patch, if applicable
• Closure of surgical incisions and dressing of the sternal wound

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 33050, it is important to ensure that the procedure performed aligns with the description provided by the code. Additionally, it is crucial to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by the payer. It is also important to note that CPT code 33050 should not be reported with other codes such as 39010 for open pericardial biopsy or 32661 for thoracoscopic (VATS) resection of pericardial cyst, tumor, or mass.

8. Historical information

CPT code 33050 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code underwent a change on January 1, 2012, when it was updated to specify the resection of pericardial cyst or tumor. In 2017, it was added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare.

9. Similar codes to CPT 33050

Five similar codes to CPT 33050 include:

• CPT 39010: Open pericardial biopsy
• CPT 32661: Thoracoscopic (VATS) resection of pericardial cyst, tumor, or mass
• CPT 33016: Pericardiectomy, partial
• CPT 33017: Pericardiectomy, complete
• CPT 33020: Pericardial window, subxiphoid or other transthoracic approach

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs a resection of a pericardial cyst in a patient with a history of recurrent chest pain.
2. A surgeon removes a pericardial tumor from a patient who presented with symptoms of cardiac tamponade.
3. A cardiothoracic surgeon excises a pericardial cyst in a patient with a known history of pericardial effusion.
4. A healthcare provider performs a resection of a pericardial tumor in a patient with a suspected malignancy.
5. A surgeon removes a pericardial cyst from a patient who presented with symptoms of constrictive pericarditis.
6. A cardiothoracic surgeon excises a pericardial tumor in a patient with a history of radiation therapy to the chest.
7. A healthcare provider performs a resection of a pericardial cyst in a patient with a known connective tissue disorder.
8. A surgeon removes a pericardial tumor from a patient who presented with symptoms of cardiac tamponade.
9. A cardiothoracic surgeon excises a pericardial cyst in a patient with a history of pericardial effusion.
10. A healthcare provider performs a resection of a pericardial tumor in a patient with a suspected malignancy.