How To Use CPT Code 33732

CPT 33732 describes the surgical repair of a cor triatriatum or supravalvular mitral ring defect by removing the excess membrane that restricts the flow of blood. 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 33732?

CPT 33732 can be used to describe the surgical repair of a cor triatriatum or supravalvular mitral ring defect. This procedure involves removing the excess membrane that restricts the flow of blood in the heart. A cor triatriatum is a congenital anomaly where the left or right atrium is divided into two compartments by a fold of tissue. A supravalvular mitral ring is a congenital defect where an abnormal membrane of tissue on the atrial side of the mitral valve restricts blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33732 is: ‘Repair of cor triatriatum or supravalvular mitral ring by resection of left atrial membrane.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider makes an incision in the chest wall to access the heart, usually through a median sternotomy incision.
2. If necessary, the patient is placed on cardiopulmonary bypass to temporarily take over the function of the heart and lungs.
3. The provider incises the pericardium, the double-layered membrane covering the heart.
4. Next, the provider incises the left atrium and carefully removes the excess membranes that are restricting blood flow, taking care not to damage the pulmonary veins and mitral valve.
5. The provider discontinues cardiopulmonary bypass and restarts the heart.
6. Finally, the provider stops any bleeding and closes the chest wall by suturing the tissues in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 33732 is performed on patients with a cor triatriatum or supravalvular mitral ring defect. These are congenital conditions that restrict blood flow in the heart. The procedure is performed by a provider who is qualified to perform cardiac surgeries. Modifier 63 should not be reported in conjunction with CPT 33732.

5. When to use CPT code 33732

CPT code 33732 should be used when a provider performs the surgical repair of a cor triatriatum or supravalvular mitral ring defect by removing the excess membrane. This code should not be used for other procedures or conditions.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 33732, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of cor triatriatum or supravalvular mitral ring defect
• Description of the procedure performed, including the removal of excess membrane
• Date of the surgery
• Details of the surgical approach and technique used
• Any complications or unexpected findings during the procedure
• Signature of the provider performing the surgery

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 33732, ensure that the procedure performed is the repair of a cor triatriatum or supravalvular mitral ring defect by resection of the left atrial membrane. Modifier 63 should not be reported with this code. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate and timely reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT 33732 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 the surgical repair of a cor triatriatum in a newborn baby.
2. A patient undergoes surgery to remove the excess membrane causing a supravalvular mitral ring defect.
3. A provider performs the repair of a cor triatriatum in an adult patient with symptoms of heart failure.
4. A child with a supravalvular mitral ring defect undergoes surgery to improve blood flow in the heart.
5. A provider performs the surgical repair of a cor triatriatum in a teenager with recurrent respiratory infections.
6. A patient with a supravalvular mitral ring defect undergoes surgery to prevent further complications.
7. A provider performs the repair of a cor triatriatum in a young adult with exercise intolerance.
8. A patient with a supravalvular mitral ring defect undergoes surgery to improve their quality of life.
9. A provider performs the surgical repair of a cor triatriatum in an elderly patient with symptoms of heart failure.
10. A child with a supravalvular mitral ring defect undergoes surgery to correct the abnormality and prevent future complications.