CPT Code 33285 | Description, Procedure & Billing Guidelines (2022)
CPT 33285 can be reported for inserting a cardiac rhythm monitor in a pocket underneath the patient’s skin.
1. What Is CPT Code 33285?
CPT 33285 covers the insertion of a cardiac rhythm monitor with self-contained electrodes. The monitor is put into a pocket underneath the patient’s skin. The programming of the monitor is also included in this code.
2. Description
The CPT book describes CPT code 33285 as: “Insertion, subcutaneous cardiac rhythm monitor, including programming.”
3. Procedure
The patient receives local anesthesia and is prepped before the 33285 CPT code procedure begins. Then, the provider makes an incision in the skin of the patient’s upper left chest.
Next, they create a small subcutaneous pocket to implant the cardiac rhythm monitor. They then position the monitor in the correct position based on the instructions from the manufacturer of the device.
Once the monitor is positioned correctly, they test it to verify that it works well and suture it.
Finally, they close the incision before they program it and give the patient instructions on how to use it.
4. Replacement Code
CPT 33285 is a replacement code CPT 33282 and was introduced on the first of January 2019. This was because, over time, the devices got more technical; therefore, the old codes were no longer relevant.
5. Example
A 38-year-old male has a history of syncopal spells and used various investigations, but unfortunately, they were all inconclusive.
The patient still has distressing recurring symptoms every 2-3 months. First, he was physically examined, and his history was checked. Then, he was referred to get a subcutaneous cardiac rhythm monitor inserted.
6. Resources
https://www.aetna.com/cpb/medical/data/1_99/0073.html
https://www.medicaid.nv.gov/Downloads/provider/
