How To Use CPT Code 33681

CPT 33681 describes the closure of a single ventricular septal defect, with or without 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 33681?

CPT 33681 is used to describe the procedure of closing a single ventricular septal defect, which is a hole in the wall between the ventricles of the heart. This can be done with or without the use of a patch. The purpose of this procedure is to prevent the mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood in the heart.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33681 is the closure of a single ventricular septal defect, with or without a patch. This code is used when the provider performs the procedure to close the defect in the ventricular septum.

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by making an incision in the chest to access the heart.
2. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized before the procedure.
3. The provider places the patient on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) to temporarily take over the function of the heart and lungs.
4. The provider opens the heart, typically through the pulmonary artery, to access the ventricular septal defect.
5. The provider examines the defect and determines whether to approach it from the atrium or ventricle.
6. The defect is closed using either a patch graft or sutures.
7. The patient is taken off CPB and the provider closes the incisions in the heart.
8. The provider checks for any bleeding and removes any instruments from the surgical site.
9. Finally, the provider closes the incision in the chest.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 33681 is performed on patients with a ventricular septal defect, which is a congenital defect where the wall between the ventricles fails to close completely. The procedure is done to prevent the mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. The provider must determine whether to use a patch graft or sutures to close the defect.

5. When to use CPT code 33681

CPT code 33681 should be used when the provider performs the closure of a single ventricular septal defect, with or without a patch. This code is specific to the procedure of closing the defect and should not be used for other procedures or conditions.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 33681, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of a ventricular septal defect
• Details of the procedure, including whether a patch graft or sutures were used
• Date of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 33681, ensure that the procedure performed is the closure of a single ventricular septal defect, with or without a patch. It is important to use the appropriate CPT code based on the specific procedure performed. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 33681 with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 33681 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been changes to the code over the years, including updates to the description and the addition of notes. The most recent change was in 2017 when it was added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs the closure of a single ventricular septal defect using a patch graft.
2. A patient undergoes the closure of a single ventricular septal defect without the use of a patch.
3. A provider performs the closure of a single ventricular septal defect using sutures.
4. A patient with a ventricular septal defect undergoes the closure procedure with the use of a patch graft.
5. A provider performs the closure of a single ventricular septal defect using a transatrial approach.
6. A patient undergoes the closure of a single ventricular septal defect with a subpulmonic approach.
7. A provider performs the closure of a single ventricular septal defect using a transventricular approach.
8. A patient with a ventricular septal defect undergoes the closure procedure with a subaortic approach.
9. A provider performs the closure of a single ventricular septal defect using a patch graft and a transatrial approach.
10. A patient undergoes the closure of a single ventricular septal defect without the use of a patch and with a subpulmonic approach.