How To Use CPT Code 33417

CPT 33417 describes a surgical procedure performed on the aortic valve to treat supravalvular stenosis, a congenital heart defect that causes narrowing of the aorta. 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 33417?

CPT 33417 is used to describe a surgical procedure performed on the aortic valve to treat supravalvular stenosis, a congenital heart defect characterized by narrowing of the aorta. This code is used when the provider performs an aortoplasty, also known as a gusset repair, to widen the opening of the aorta and improve blood flow.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33417 is: ‘Aortoplasty (gusset) for supravalvular stenosis.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider preps and anesthetizes the patient, placing them on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) to temporarily take over the function of the heart and lungs.
2. The provider opens the chest, typically through a sternotomy incision.
3. Aortoplasty methods may vary, but in a typical patch aortoplasty, the provider opens the aorta toward the left subclavian artery and inserts a patch to create a wider opening.
4. The provider may also remove the stenotic portion of the aorta and suture the remaining ends together.
5. The provider closes the chest incision.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 33417 is performed on patients with supravalvular stenosis, a congenital heart defect causing narrowing of the aorta. The procedure is typically performed by a cardiovascular surgeon. It is important to note that this procedure is not appropriate for all patients with aortic stenosis, as it specifically targets the supravalvular region.

5. When to use CPT code 33417

CPT code 33417 should be used when a provider performs an aortoplasty procedure to treat supravalvular stenosis. It is important to ensure that the patient’s condition meets the specific criteria for this procedure and that the procedure is performed by a qualified cardiovascular surgeon.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 33417, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of supravalvular stenosis
• Description of the aortoplasty procedure performed
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the surgical approach and technique used
• Any additional procedures performed during the same operative session
• Any complications or unexpected findings
• Signature of the performing provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 33417, ensure that the procedure is performed by a qualified cardiovascular surgeon and that the documentation supports the medical necessity of the procedure. It is important to follow any specific guidelines provided by the payer regarding the use of this code. Additionally, consider reporting any additional procedures performed during the same operative session, if applicable.

8. Historical information

CPT 33417 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. In 2017, it was added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare reimbursement.

9. Examples

1. A cardiovascular surgeon performs an aortoplasty procedure on a patient with supravalvular stenosis to widen the opening of the aorta.
2. During a surgical procedure, a provider performs an aortoplasty to treat supravalvular stenosis in a patient with a congenital heart defect.
3. A patient with supravalvular stenosis undergoes an aortoplasty procedure to improve blood flow through the aorta.
4. A cardiovascular surgeon performs an aortoplasty on a patient with supravalvular stenosis, using a patch to widen the narrowed portion of the aorta.
5. During a surgical intervention, a provider performs an aortoplasty to address supravalvular stenosis in a patient with aortic narrowing.
6. A patient with supravalvular stenosis undergoes an aortoplasty procedure to alleviate the narrowing of the aorta.
7. A cardiovascular surgeon performs an aortoplasty on a patient with supravalvular stenosis, removing the stenotic portion of the aorta and suturing the remaining ends together.
8. During a surgical intervention, a provider performs an aortoplasty to treat supravalvular stenosis in a patient with a congenital heart defect.
9. A patient with supravalvular stenosis undergoes an aortoplasty procedure to widen the opening of the aorta and improve blood flow.
10. A cardiovascular surgeon performs an aortoplasty on a patient with supravalvular stenosis, using a patch to create a wider opening in the aorta.