How To Use CPT Code 33726

CPT 33726 describes the surgical repair of pulmonary venous stenosis, a condition where the blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart become narrowed. 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 33726?

CPT 33726 is used to describe the surgical repair of pulmonary venous stenosis. This procedure is performed by a healthcare provider to address the narrowing of the blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart. It is important to note that CPT 33726 should not be reported in conjunction with codes 32551, 33210, or 33211.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33726 is the surgical repair of pulmonary venous stenosis. This procedure involves accessing the pulmonary vein in the heart through an incision in the chest wall. The provider may use a median sternotomy incision to open the chest and place the patient on cardiopulmonary bypass. The narrowed pulmonary veins are then incised, and the tissue causing the blockage is removed. The provider sutures the vein back together and may use a graft for reinforcement. The procedure concludes with the discontinuation of cardiopulmonary bypass and closure of the chest wall.

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares and anesthetizes the patient.
2. An incision is made in the chest wall to access the pulmonary vein in the heart.
3. If necessary, the provider places the patient on cardiopulmonary bypass to temporarily stop the heart.
4. The narrowed pulmonary veins are incised, and the tissue causing the blockage is removed.
5. The provider sutures the vein back together and may use a graft for reinforcement.
6. Cardiopulmonary bypass is discontinued, and the heart is restarted.
7. All bleeding is stopped, and the chest wall is closed by suturing the tissues in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 33726 is performed on patients with pulmonary venous stenosis, a condition characterized by the narrowing of the blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart. The procedure is typically performed by a healthcare provider who has the necessary expertise and qualifications to perform surgical repairs. It is important to note that CPT 33726 should not be reported in conjunction with codes 32551, 33210, or 33211.

5. When to use CPT code 33726

CPT code 33726 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a surgical repair for pulmonary venous stenosis. It is important to ensure that the procedure is not reported in conjunction with codes 32551, 33210, or 33211. The use of CPT code 33726 is appropriate when the provider addresses the narrowing of the blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 33726, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of pulmonary venous stenosis
• Details of the surgical repair procedure performed
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any additional details or complications encountered during the procedure
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 33726, it is important to ensure that the procedure is not reported in conjunction with codes 32551, 33210, or 33211. These codes should not be reported together with CPT 33726. It is also important to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by the payer or insurance company. Additionally, it is recommended to review any applicable modifiers that may be required for accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT code 33726 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2007. Since its addition, there have been no updates or changes to the code. However, it is important to stay updated with any changes or revisions that may occur in the future.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs a surgical repair for pulmonary venous stenosis in a patient with a narrowed pulmonary vein.
2. A patient with pulmonary venous stenosis undergoes a surgical procedure to address the narrowing of the blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart.
3. A healthcare provider performs a surgical repair for pulmonary venous stenosis using a graft for reinforcement.
4. A patient with pulmonary venous stenosis undergoes a surgical procedure to remove the tissue causing the blockage in the narrowed pulmonary veins.
5. A healthcare provider sutures the pulmonary vein back together after performing a surgical repair for pulmonary venous stenosis.