How To Use CPT Code 33362

CPT 33362 describes the procedure of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR/TAVI) with a prosthetic valve using an open femoral artery approach. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 33362?

CPT 33362 can be used to describe the procedure of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR/TAVI) with a prosthetic valve using an open femoral artery approach. This code is specific to inserting the valve through the lumen of a catheter, with access through the femoral artery in the groin area.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33362 is: ‘Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR/TAVI) with prosthetic valve; open femoral artery approach.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider accesses the femoral artery through an open incision in the groin area.
2. A compressed prosthetic aortic valve is passed into the femoral artery.
3. The provider advances the valve to the heart using a catheter.
4. Imaging guidance is used to navigate the vascular system and place the valve at the site of the damaged aortic valve.
5. The provider preps the space, typically using a balloon catheter, to position and place the valve.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients who require a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR/TAVI) with a prosthetic valve using an open femoral artery approach are eligible for CPT 33362. This procedure is performed when the patient’s aortic valve is damaged and needs to be replaced. The provider must access the femoral artery through an open incision in the groin area and use a catheter to insert the prosthetic valve.

5. When to use CPT code 33362

CPT code 33362 should be used when a provider performs a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR/TAVI) with a prosthetic valve using an open femoral artery approach. This code is specific to this procedure and should not be used for other approaches or techniques.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 33362, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for a transcatheter aortic valve replacement
• Details of the procedure, including the use of an open femoral artery approach
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Imaging guidance used during the procedure
• Any additional services or procedures performed during the same session
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 33362, ensure that the procedure is performed using an open femoral artery approach. This code should not be reported with other codes unless additional services or procedures are performed during the same session. It is important to use the appropriate modifiers, such as modifier 62 to indicate the involvement of two physicians. Follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate and timely reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT 33362 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2013. In 2017, it was added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare.

9. Examples

1. A provider performing a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR/TAVI) with a prosthetic valve using an open femoral artery approach for a patient with severe aortic valve stenosis.
2. A team of physicians performing a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR/TAVI) with a prosthetic valve using an open femoral artery approach for an elderly patient with aortic regurgitation.
3. A cardiac surgeon and an interventional cardiologist collaborating to perform a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR/TAVI) with a prosthetic valve using an open femoral artery approach for a patient with aortic valve insufficiency.
4. A provider using imaging guidance to navigate the vascular system and place a prosthetic valve during a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR/TAVI) using an open femoral artery approach for a patient with aortic valve calcification.
5. A team of healthcare professionals performing a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR/TAVI) with a prosthetic valve using an open femoral artery approach for a patient with aortic valve disease and multiple comorbidities.
6. A provider using a balloon catheter to prep the space and position a prosthetic valve during a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR/TAVI) using an open femoral artery approach for a patient with aortic valve dysfunction.
7. A cardiac surgeon performing a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR/TAVI) with a prosthetic valve using an open femoral artery approach for a patient with aortic valve degeneration.
8. An interventional cardiologist using an open femoral artery approach to insert a prosthetic valve during a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR/TAVI) for a patient with aortic valve regurgitation.