How To Use CPT Code 33265

CPT 33265 describes the endoscopic surgical procedure of operative tissue ablation and reconstruction of the atria without cardiopulmonary bypass. This article will cover the description, official details, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 33265?

CPT 33265 is used to describe an endoscopic surgical procedure that involves the destruction of tissue in the atria of the heart and the subsequent reconstruction of the left and right atrium. This procedure is performed to treat atrial fibrillation and restore the normal rhythm of the heart. It is important to note that this procedure is done without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33265 is: ‘Endoscopy, surgical; operative tissue ablation and reconstruction of atria, limited (eg, modified maze procedure), without cardiopulmonary bypass.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by making small incisions in the chest wall and inserting an endoscope to visualize the inside of the chest cavity.
2. Surgical instruments are then introduced through another incision to operate on the heart.
3. The provider opens the pericardium, the membrane surrounding the heart, and isolates the pulmonary veins.
4. Using energy sources such as laser, heat, or cryotherapy, the provider creates multiple atrial lesions to create scar tissue that blocks abnormal electrical signals causing atrial fibrillation.
5. The provider then reconstructs the atria by suturing the incision line and closes the pericardium.
6. Finally, any bleeding is stopped, and the layers of tissue in the chest wall are sutured together to close the incisions.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 33265 is performed on patients with atrial fibrillation who require tissue ablation and reconstruction of the atria. The procedure is limited in scope and does not involve the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. It is important to note that this procedure is performed by an endoscopic surgical specialist.

5. When to use CPT code 33265

CPT code 33265 should be used when the provider performs an endoscopic limited 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 33265, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of atrial fibrillation
• Details of the endoscopic surgical procedure performed
• Date of the procedure
• Specific steps taken during the procedure, including the creation of atrial lesions and reconstruction of the atria
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 33265, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. The procedure should be performed without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. It is also important to follow any additional guidelines provided by the payer or coding guidelines. It is recommended to review the specific billing guidelines for CPT 33265 to ensure accurate reporting.

8. Historical information

CPT 33265 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2007. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition. It is important to stay updated with any changes or revisions to the code in future code sets.

9. Examples

1. A patient with atrial fibrillation undergoes an endoscopic limited ablation and reconstruction of the atria without cardiopulmonary bypass to restore the normal rhythm of the heart.
2. An endoscopic surgical specialist performs tissue ablation and reconstruction of the atria without cardiopulmonary bypass on a patient with atrial fibrillation.
3. During the procedure, the provider creates multiple atrial lesions using laser energy to treat atrial fibrillation.
4. A patient with atrial fibrillation undergoes endoscopic surgery to reconstruct the left and right atrium without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass.
5. An endoscopic limited ablation and reconstruction of the atria without cardiopulmonary bypass is performed on a patient with atrial fibrillation to block abnormal electrical signals.
6. The provider uses cryotherapy to create scar tissue in the atria during an endoscopic surgical procedure without cardiopulmonary bypass.
7. A patient with atrial fibrillation undergoes endoscopic surgery to reconstruct the atria and restore the normal rhythm of the heart.
8. An endoscopic limited ablation and reconstruction of the atria without cardiopulmonary bypass is performed to treat atrial fibrillation in a patient.
9. The provider sutures the incision line and closes the pericardium after performing tissue ablation and reconstruction of the atria without cardiopulmonary bypass.
10. An endoscopic surgical specialist performs a procedure to create atrial lesions and reconstruct the atria without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass in a patient with atrial fibrillation.