How To Use CPT Code 33120

CPT 33120 describes the excision of an intracardiac tumor with the patient on cardiopulmonary bypass. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 33120?

CPT 33120 can be used to describe the surgical procedure of removing a tumor from the heart while the patient is on cardiopulmonary bypass. This code is used when the provider makes an incision on the sternum, accesses the heart, and performs tumor resection through the right atrium or tricuspid valve. The procedure aims to remove the tumor and restore normal cardiac and pulmonary functions.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33120 is: ‘Excision of intracardiac tumor, resection with cardiopulmonary bypass.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient and administers anesthesia.
2. A full median sternotomy incision is made on the sternum to access the heart.
3. Cardiopulmonary bypass is initiated by cannulating blood vessels through the incision.
4. The provider performs tumor resection through the right atrium and across the intra-atrial septum or through the tricuspid valve.
5. The incision is closed, and the wound is dressed.
6. The patient’s normal cardiac and pulmonary functions are monitored and ensured to have returned.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 33120 is performed on patients with intracardiac tumors that require surgical removal. The procedure is done by a provider who has the expertise to perform the excision while the patient is on cardiopulmonary bypass. The patient must be appropriately prepped and anesthetized before the surgery.

5. When to use CPT code 33120

CPT code 33120 should be used when a provider performs the excision of an intracardiac tumor with the patient on cardiopulmonary bypass. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 33120, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for intracardiac tumor excision
• Details of the surgical procedure, including the approach used (right atrium or tricuspid valve)
• Date of the surgery and duration of the procedure
• Confirmation of the use of cardiopulmonary bypass
• Post-operative monitoring and confirmation of the patient’s normal cardiac and pulmonary functions
• Signature of the performing provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 33120, ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. It is important to accurately report the use of cardiopulmonary bypass and the excision of the intracardiac tumor. Review the documentation requirements and ensure all necessary information is included in the claim.

8. Historical information

CPT 33120 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code has undergone no updates since its addition. In 2017, it was added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare reimbursement purposes.

9. Examples

1. A cardiac surgeon performs the excision of an intracardiac tumor through the right atrium using cardiopulmonary bypass.
2. An interventional cardiologist removes an intracardiac tumor through the tricuspid valve with the patient on cardiopulmonary bypass.
3. A cardiothoracic surgeon performs the excision of an intracardiac tumor through the right atrium and across the intra-atrial septum using cardiopulmonary bypass.
4. A cardiac surgeon removes an intracardiac tumor through the tricuspid valve without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass.
5. An interventional cardiologist performs the resection of an external cardiac tumor using a different CPT code.
6. A cardiothoracic surgeon inserts a dual-chamber pacemaker in a patient, which is a different procedure than the excision of an intracardiac tumor.
7. An interventional cardiologist performs the insertion of a pacemaker with transvenous insertion, which is a different procedure than the excision of an intracardiac tumor.
8. A cardiac surgeon inserts a pacemaker with epicardial insertion, which is a different procedure than the excision of an intracardiac tumor.
9. An interventional cardiologist performs the excision of an intracardiac tumor through the right atrium using cardiopulmonary bypass, but the tumor is located in a different area of the heart.
10. A cardiothoracic surgeon removes an intracardiac tumor through the tricuspid valve with the patient on cardiopulmonary bypass, but the tumor is of a different nature than the one described in CPT 33120.