How To Use CPT Code 33471

CPT 33471 describes a surgical procedure performed on the pulmonary valve to treat pulmonary valve stenosis. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 33471?

CPT 33471 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure performed on the pulmonary valve. This procedure is used to treat pulmonary valve stenosis, which is a narrowing of the pulmonary valve that restricts blood flow from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery. The provider accesses the pulmonary valve through the pulmonary artery and performs a valvotomy, incising and dilating the valve to alleviate the stenosis.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33471 is: ‘Valvotomy, pulmonary valve, closed heart, via pulmonary artery.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient for the procedure and administers anesthesia.
2. An incision is made to approach the heart, such as a median sternotomy.
3. An angiocatheter with a pressure transducer is introduced via the pulmonary artery.
4. The provider makes an incision in the pulmonary valve and inserts dilators to treat the narrowed area.
5. Blood pressures in the pulmonary artery are checked using the pressure transducer.
6. The dilators and catheter are removed, and the incision in the chest is closed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 33471 is performed on patients with pulmonary valve stenosis, a condition characterized by the narrowing of the pulmonary valve. The procedure is typically performed on a closed heart, without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. It is important to note that CPT 33471 is an inpatient-only procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 33471

CPT code 33471 should be used when a provider performs a valvotomy on the pulmonary valve to treat pulmonary valve stenosis. It is important to ensure that the procedure is performed via the pulmonary artery and on a closed heart. This code should only be used for inpatient procedures.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 33471, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of pulmonary valve stenosis
• Description of the procedure performed, including the approach used
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 33471, ensure that the procedure meets the qualifying circumstances, including being performed on a closed heart via the pulmonary artery. This code should only be reported for inpatient procedures. It is important to follow the specific guidelines set by the payer and to accurately document the procedure to support the claim.

8. Historical information

CPT 33471 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1994. The code was later changed on January 1, 2022, to specify that the valvotomy is performed via the pulmonary artery. It is important to stay updated with any changes or revisions to the code.

9. Examples

1. A patient with pulmonary valve stenosis undergoes a valvotomy on the pulmonary valve via the pulmonary artery.
2. A provider performs a valvotomy on the pulmonary valve to treat pulmonary valve stenosis in a patient with congenital heart disease.
3. A surgical team performs a valvotomy on the pulmonary valve during a closed heart procedure via the pulmonary artery.
4. A patient with severe pulmonary valve stenosis undergoes a valvotomy to alleviate the narrowing and improve blood flow.
5. A provider performs a valvotomy on the pulmonary valve using dilators to widen the narrowed area and improve valve function.
6. A patient with pulmonary valve stenosis undergoes a successful valvotomy procedure, resulting in improved cardiac function.
7. A surgical team performs a valvotomy on the pulmonary valve via the pulmonary artery, effectively treating the patient’s pulmonary valve stenosis.
8. A provider performs a valvotomy on the pulmonary valve during a closed heart procedure, resulting in improved blood flow and reduced symptoms in the patient.
9. A patient with pulmonary valve stenosis undergoes a valvotomy to alleviate the narrowing and improve overall cardiac function.
10. A surgical team successfully performs a valvotomy on the pulmonary valve, resulting in improved pulmonary valve function and reduced symptoms in the patient.