How To Use CPT Code 33600

CPT 33600 describes the closure of an atrioventricular valve, either the mitral or tricuspid valve, through the use of sutures or a patch. 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 33600?

CPT 33600 involves the repair of an incompetent atrioventricular valve, specifically the mitral or tricuspid valve, by suturing or patching. This procedure is performed to restore proper blood flow between the chambers of the heart.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33600 is the closure of an atrioventricular valve, either the mitral or tricuspid valve, through the use of sutures or a patch.

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by making an incision in the chest, such as a median sternotomy incision, after the patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. Next, the provider accesses the appropriate heart chamber and locates the valve that requires repair.
3. The provider then sutures or patches the leaflet of the valve to repair the defect, ensuring proper blood flow between the chambers of the heart.
4. After completing the repair, the provider closes the incision in the heart chamber and controls any bleeding that may occur.
5. If the sternum was split during the procedure, the provider may wire it back together.
6. Finally, the provider closes the chest incision in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 33600 is performed when an atrioventricular valve, either the mitral or tricuspid valve, is not functioning properly. The procedure is indicated to restore appropriate blood flow between the chambers of the heart. The provider must assess the patient’s condition and determine the need for valve closure through sutures or a patch.

5. When to use CPT code 33600

CPT code 33600 should be used when a provider performs the closure of an atrioventricular valve, either the mitral or tricuspid valve, using sutures or a patch. This code is appropriate when the procedure is performed to restore proper blood flow between the chambers of the heart.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 33600, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis indicating the need for valve closure
• Details of the procedure, including the type of valve (mitral or tricuspid) and the method used (suturing or patching)
• Incision site and approach
• Any additional procedures performed, such as sternum wiring
• Any complications or unexpected findings
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 33600, ensure that the procedure involves the closure of an atrioventricular valve, either the mitral or tricuspid valve, using sutures or a patch. It is important to follow the appropriate coding guidelines and documentation requirements. CPT code 33600 should not be reported with other codes unless additional procedures were performed during the same operative session.

8. Historical information

CPT 33600 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1994. The code has not undergone any updates since its addition. In 2017, it was added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs the closure of the mitral valve using sutures to repair an incompetent valve.
2. During a surgical procedure, a provider patches the tricuspid valve to restore proper blood flow between the heart chambers.
3. A patient undergoes a procedure in which the mitral valve is repaired using a patch to correct the valve’s incompetence.
4. A provider sutures the tricuspid valve to repair a defect and ensure appropriate blood flow within the heart.
5. During a surgical intervention, a provider closes the mitral valve using a patch to restore normal function.
6. A patient with an incompetent tricuspid valve undergoes a procedure in which the valve is repaired using sutures.
7. A provider performs the closure of the mitral valve using a patch to correct the valve’s dysfunction.
8. During a surgical intervention, a provider sutures the tricuspid valve to restore proper blood flow between the heart chambers.
9. A patient undergoes a procedure in which the mitral valve is repaired using sutures to address the valve’s incompetence.
10. A provider patches the tricuspid valve during a surgical procedure to ensure appropriate blood flow within the heart.