How To Use CPT Code 33542

CPT 33542 describes the procedure of myocardial resection, specifically the removal of an aneurysm sac from the wall of a ventricle of the heart. 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 33542?

CPT 33542 is a code used to describe the surgical procedure of myocardial resection, specifically the removal of an aneurysm sac from the wall of a ventricle of the heart. This procedure is typically performed during a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedure, where the provider strengthens the heart wall and prevents rupture of the aneurysm by suturing the defect closed.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33542 is: ‘Myocardial resection (eg, ventricular aneurysmectomy).’ This code is used when the provider opens and removes an aneurysm sac from the wall of a ventricle of the heart and sutures the defect closed to strengthen the heart wall and prevent rupture of the aneurysm.

3. Procedure

1. The provider makes an incision in the chest, typically a median sternotomy, after the patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The patient is put on total cardiac arrest and placed on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).
3. During a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedure, the provider removes heart tissue as needed.
4. The provider opens a ventricular aneurysm, removes the aneurysmal tissue, and assesses the heart valve.
5. The provider closes the aneurysm and removes the patient from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).
6. Any instruments are removed, bleeding is checked, and the incision in the chest is closed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 33542 is performed on patients who have an aneurysm, which is a weakness in the wall of a blood vessel or ventricle of the heart. This procedure is typically done during a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedure to strengthen the heart wall and prevent rupture of the aneurysm. It is important to note that this procedure is usually performed by a qualified cardiac surgeon.

5. When to use CPT code 33542

CPT code 33542 should be used when the provider performs a myocardial resection, specifically the removal of an aneurysm sac from the wall of a ventricle of the heart. This procedure is typically done during a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedure. It is important to ensure that the documentation supports the performance of this specific procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 33542, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the presence of an aneurysm
• Description of the procedure performed, including the removal of the aneurysm sac from the ventricle wall
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional details or complications encountered during the procedure
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 33542, ensure that the procedure is performed by a qualified cardiac surgeon and is appropriately documented. It is important to follow the payer’s guidelines and policies regarding the use of this code. It is also important to note that CPT 33542 is typically performed during a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedure, so it may be reported in conjunction with other codes related to the CABG procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 33542 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.

9. Examples

1. A cardiac surgeon performs a myocardial resection, removing an aneurysm sac from the wall of a ventricle of the heart during a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedure.
2. During a CABG procedure, a provider opens a ventricular aneurysm, removes the aneurysmal tissue, and sutures the defect closed to strengthen the heart wall and prevent rupture of the aneurysm.
3. A patient with an aneurysm undergoes a myocardial resection, where the provider removes the aneurysm sac from the wall of a ventricle of the heart and closes the defect to strengthen the heart wall.
4. As part of a CABG procedure, a cardiac surgeon performs a myocardial resection, removing an aneurysm sac from the wall of a ventricle of the heart to prevent rupture.
5. A provider performs a myocardial resection, removing an aneurysm sac from the wall of a ventricle of the heart during a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedure to strengthen the heart wall.
6. During a CABG procedure, a cardiac surgeon opens a ventricular aneurysm, removes the aneurysmal tissue, and sutures the defect closed to prevent rupture of the aneurysm and strengthen the heart wall.
7. A patient undergoes a myocardial resection, where the provider removes an aneurysm sac from the wall of a ventricle of the heart and closes the defect to strengthen the heart wall and prevent rupture.
8. As part of a CABG procedure, a provider performs a myocardial resection, removing an aneurysm sac from the wall of a ventricle of the heart to strengthen the heart wall and prevent rupture.