How To Use CPT Code 33255

CPT 33255 describes the operative tissue ablation and reconstruction of the atria without 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 33255?

CPT 33255 can be used to describe the operative tissue ablation and reconstruction of the atria without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. This code is used when the provider destroys extensive tissue of the atria causing an abnormal heart rhythm and then reconstructs the left and right atrium. The procedure is typically performed to treat atrial fibrillation, a condition in which abnormal electrical signals cause the atria to contract rapidly and irregularly.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33255 is: ‘Operative tissue ablation and reconstruction of atria, extensive (eg, maze procedure); without cardiopulmonary bypass.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider incises the chest wall to open the chest and exposes the heart.
2. The pericardium, the double-layered membrane surrounding the heart, is opened.
3. The provider isolates the pulmonary veins, which drain oxygenated blood into the left atrium.
4. Multiple atrial lesions are created by making small incisions on the atrial surface.
5. The provider performs extensive ablation in both the atria and the atrial septum.
6. The lesions in the atria create scar tissue, which blocks the abnormal electrical signals causing atrial fibrillation.
7. The provider reconstructs the atria by suturing the incision line.
8. The pericardium is closed by suturing it.
9. All bleeding is stopped, and the chest wall is closed by suturing the layers of tissue together.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 33255 is performed on patients with atrial fibrillation, a condition characterized by abnormal electrical signals in the atria. The procedure is typically performed by a provider who destroys extensive tissue in the atria and reconstructs them. It is important to note that this procedure is performed without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass.

5. When to use CPT code 33255

CPT code 33255 should be used when the provider performs an extensive tissue ablation and reconstruction of the atria without the use of 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 33255, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of atrial fibrillation
• Details of the procedure performed, including the extent of tissue ablation and reconstruction
• Documentation of the absence of cardiopulmonary bypass
• Date of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 33255, ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. It is important to accurately document the extent of tissue ablation and reconstruction and the absence of cardiopulmonary bypass. Additionally, be aware of any specific guidelines or requirements from payers regarding the use of this code.

8. Historical information

CPT 33255 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2007. There have been no updates to the code since its addition. In 2017, it was added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs an extensive tissue ablation and reconstruction of the atria without cardiopulmonary bypass to treat atrial fibrillation in a patient.
2. A patient with atrial fibrillation undergoes an operative procedure in which the provider destroys extensive tissue in the atria and reconstructs them without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass.
3. A provider performs an extensive ablation and reconstruction of the atria to treat atrial fibrillation, ensuring that the procedure is performed without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass.
4. An extensive tissue ablation and reconstruction of the atria is performed on a patient with atrial fibrillation, following the specific criteria outlined in CPT code 33255.
5. A provider performs an operative procedure to ablate and reconstruct the atria without cardiopulmonary bypass in a patient with atrial fibrillation.
6. An extensive tissue ablation and reconstruction of the atria is performed without cardiopulmonary bypass to treat atrial fibrillation in a patient.
7. A patient undergoes an operative procedure in which the provider destroys extensive tissue in the atria and reconstructs them without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass to treat atrial fibrillation.
8. A provider performs an extensive ablation and reconstruction of the atria without cardiopulmonary bypass to treat atrial fibrillation in a patient.
9. An extensive tissue ablation and reconstruction of the atria is performed on a patient with atrial fibrillation, following the specific criteria outlined in CPT code 33255.
10. A provider performs an operative procedure to ablate and reconstruct the atria without cardiopulmonary bypass in a patient with atrial fibrillation.