How To Use CPT Code 33214

CPT 33214 describes the procedure of upgrading an implanted pacemaker system from a single chamber system to a dual chamber system. 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 33214?

CPT 33214 can be used to describe the upgrade of an implanted pacemaker system from a single chamber system to a dual chamber system. This procedure involves adding an electrode to the right atrium and replacing the generator. It is important to note that CPT 33214 should not be reported in conjunction with codes 33216, 33217, 33227, 33228, or 33229.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33214 is: ‘Upgrade of implanted pacemaker system, conversion of single chamber system to dual chamber system (includes removal of previously placed pulse generator, testing of existing lead, insertion of new lead, insertion of new pulse generator).’ It is important to remember not to report code 33214 with codes 33216, 33217, 33227, 33228, or 33229.

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient for the procedure and administers anesthesia.
2. An incision is made to re-enter the existing pacemaker pocket.
3. The generator is removed from the pocket.
4. A transvenous lead is inserted into a second chamber of the heart, typically the right atrium.
5. The provider confirms the pacing parameters on the existing lead.
6. Both the new and old leads are connected to a new dual chamber pulse generator.
7. The generator is placed in the pocket and the incision is closed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 33214 is performed when a patient with a single chamber pacemaker system requires an upgrade to a dual chamber system. The procedure involves adding an electrode to the right atrium and replacing the generator. It is important to note that code 33214 should not be reported with codes 33216, 33217, 33227, 33228, or 33229.

5. When to use CPT code 33214

CPT code 33214 should be used when a provider is upgrading an implanted pacemaker system from a single chamber system to a dual chamber system. It is important to note that code 33214 should not be reported with codes 33216, 33217, 33227, 33228, or 33229.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 33214, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the upgrade to a dual chamber system
• Details of the procedure, including the removal of the previous pulse generator, testing of the existing lead, insertion of the new lead, and insertion of the new pulse generator
• Date of the procedure
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 33214, ensure that the procedure involves upgrading an implanted pacemaker system from a single chamber system to a dual chamber system. It is important not to report code 33214 with codes 33216, 33217, 33227, 33228, or 33229. Review the documentation requirements and ensure that all necessary information is included in the claim.

8. Historical information

CPT 33214 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1994. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider upgrades an implanted pacemaker system from a single chamber system to a dual chamber system by adding an electrode to the right atrium and replacing the generator.
2. A patient with a single chamber pacemaker system undergoes a procedure to upgrade to a dual chamber system, involving the insertion of a new lead and a new pulse generator.
3. A provider performs an upgrade of an implanted pacemaker system from a single chamber system to a dual chamber system, including the removal of the previous pulse generator and the insertion of a new lead.
4. A patient requires an upgrade of their pacemaker system from a single chamber system to a dual chamber system, involving the testing of the existing lead and the insertion of a new pulse generator.
5. A provider performs a procedure to upgrade an implanted pacemaker system from a single chamber system to a dual chamber system, which includes the removal of the previous pulse generator and the insertion of a new lead.
6. An upgrade of an implanted pacemaker system from a single chamber system to a dual chamber system is performed, involving the insertion of a new lead and a new pulse generator.
7. A patient undergoes a procedure to upgrade their pacemaker system from a single chamber system to a dual chamber system, including the testing of the existing lead and the insertion of a new pulse generator.
8. A provider upgrades an implanted pacemaker system from a single chamber system to a dual chamber system by adding an electrode to the right atrium and replacing the generator.
9. A patient with a single chamber pacemaker system undergoes a procedure to upgrade to a dual chamber system, involving the insertion of a new lead and a new pulse generator.
10. A provider performs an upgrade of an implanted pacemaker system from a single chamber system to a dual chamber system, including the removal of the previous pulse generator and the insertion of a new lead.