How To Use CPT Code 33612

CPT 33612 describes the repair procedure for double outlet right ventricle with intraventricular tunnel repair, including the repair of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. 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 33612?

CPT 33612 is a code used to describe a specific repair procedure for double outlet right ventricle with intraventricular tunnel repair. This procedure involves rerouting blood flow by placing an intraventricular tunnel graft from the aorta to the ventricular septal defect (VSD). Additionally, if the tunnel graft obstructs blood flow through the ventricular outflow tract, the provider will also repair the outflow tract with a patch graft.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33612 is: ‘Repair of double outlet right ventricle with intraventricular tunnel repair; with repair of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by making an incision in the chest to access the heart.
2. The patient is placed on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) to temporarily take over the function of the heart and lungs.
3. The provider opens the right atrium and examines the ventricular septal defect (VSD).
4. Depending on the size of the VSD, the provider may enlarge it and suture the tunnel graft from the aorta to the VSD.
5. The provider assesses the right ventricular outflow tract and performs any necessary repairs, typically patch enlargement, if the tunnel graft causes obstruction of blood flow.
6. The patient is removed from CPB and the provider closes the incisions in the heart.
7. The provider checks for bleeding, removes any instruments, and finally closes the incision in the chest.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 33612 is used for patients with double outlet right ventricle and intraventricular tunnel repair, specifically when there is also a need to repair the right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. This procedure is typically performed on patients with congenital heart defects. It is important to note that this code should only be used when both the intraventricular tunnel repair and the repair of the right ventricular outflow tract obstruction are performed.

5. When to use CPT code 33612

CPT code 33612 should be used when the provider performs a repair procedure for double outlet right ventricle with intraventricular tunnel repair and also repairs the right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. It is important to ensure that both components of the procedure are documented and performed in order to accurately report this code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 33612, the provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the procedure and the need for repair of both the intraventricular tunnel and the right ventricular outflow tract obstruction
• Details of the procedure, including the specific techniques used
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional findings or complications encountered during the procedure
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 33612, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. This includes the repair of both the intraventricular tunnel and the right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Additionally, it is important to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by the payer or coding guidelines. It is also important to review any applicable modifiers that may be required for accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT code 33612 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1994. In 2017, it was added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs a repair procedure for double outlet right ventricle with intraventricular tunnel repair and repairs the right ventricular outflow tract obstruction in a patient with a congenital heart defect.
2. A patient with double outlet right ventricle undergoes a repair procedure that includes intraventricular tunnel repair and repair of the right ventricular outflow tract obstruction.
3. A provider performs a complex repair procedure for double outlet right ventricle with intraventricular tunnel repair and repairs the right ventricular outflow tract obstruction using a patch graft.
4. In a patient with double outlet right ventricle, the provider performs a repair procedure that involves intraventricular tunnel repair and repair of the right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, resulting in improved blood flow.
5. A provider performs a successful repair procedure for double outlet right ventricle with intraventricular tunnel repair and repairs the right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, ensuring proper blood flow in the patient’s heart.
6. During a complex surgical procedure, the provider repairs a double outlet right ventricle by performing intraventricular tunnel repair and repairing the right ventricular outflow tract obstruction.
7. A patient with a congenital heart defect undergoes a repair procedure that includes intraventricular tunnel repair and repair of the right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, resulting in improved cardiac function.