How To Use CPT Code 33741

CPT 33741 describes a procedure known as transcatheter atrial septostomy (TAS) for congenital cardiac anomalies. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 33741?

CPT 33741 is a code used to describe the transcatheter atrial septostomy procedure. It involves creating an effective atrial flow in patients with congenital cardiac anomalies. The procedure is performed by a provider who inserts a catheter through a vessel and threads it into the right side of the heart under imaging guidance. The provider then creates an opening between the atria, or upper chambers of the heart, to improve atrial flow in patients with cardiac birth defects.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33741 is: ‘Transcatheter atrial septostomy (TAS) for congenital cardiac anomalies to create effective atrial flow, including all imaging guidance by the proceduralist, when performed, any method (eg, Rashkind, Sang-Park, balloon, cutting balloon, blade).’ It is important to note that modifier 63 should not be reported in conjunction with this code, and for transseptal puncture, code 93462 should be used.

3. Procedure

In this procedure, the provider makes a small incision to access a vessel, typically in the groin to access the femoral vein. Under imaging guidance, the provider advances a catheter over a guidewire into the heart. The provider then creates an opening in the septum wall between the atria using various methods such as balloon atrial septostomy, Rashkind’s procedure, or blade atrial septostomy. These minimally invasive procedures help remove a restrictive congenital interatrial communication and improve oxygenation of the blood. After completing the procedure, the provider withdraws the catheter and any other instruments and applies pressure to the wound to control bleeding.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 33741 is used for patients with congenital cardiac anomalies who require a transcatheter atrial septostomy to create effective atrial flow. This procedure is typically performed on patients with restrictive congenital interatrial communication, which is an opening in the interatrial septum. It is important to note that modifier 63 should not be reported with this code, and for transseptal puncture, code 93462 should be used.

5. When to use CPT code 33741

CPT code 33741 should be used when a provider performs a transcatheter atrial septostomy procedure to create effective atrial flow in patients with congenital cardiac anomalies. It is important to ensure that all imaging guidance by the proceduralist is included in the procedure. Modifier 63 should not be reported with this code, and for transseptal puncture, code 93462 should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 33741, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of congenital cardiac anomalies
• Details of the transcatheter atrial septostomy procedure performed
• Imaging guidance used during the procedure
• Method used to create the opening between the atria
• Date of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 33741, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for transcatheter atrial septostomy for congenital cardiac anomalies. Modifier 63 should not be reported with this code, and for transseptal puncture, code 93462 should be used. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate and appropriate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT code 33741 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2021. It is important to stay updated with any changes or updates related to this code.

9. Similar codes to CPT 33741

Five similar codes to CPT 33741 include:

• CPT 33735: Shunting procedure on the heart and pericardium
• CPT 33736: Shunting procedure on the heart and pericardium
• CPT 33741: Transcatheter atrial septostomy for congenital cardiac anomalies
• CPT 33766: Transcatheter pulmonary artery balloon valvuloplasty
• CPT 33768: Transcatheter pulmonary artery balloon valvuloplasty

9. Examples

1. A provider performs a transcatheter atrial septostomy procedure on an infant with a congenital heart defect to improve atrial flow.
2. A patient with a restrictive congenital interatrial communication undergoes a transcatheter atrial septostomy procedure to enhance oxygenation of the blood.
3. A provider uses a balloon atrial septostomy method to create an opening between the atria in a patient with a congenital cardiac anomaly.
4. A child with a cardiac birth defect undergoes a transcatheter atrial septostomy procedure using the Rashkind’s technique to improve atrial flow.
5. A provider performs a blade atrial septostomy procedure on a patient with a restrictive congenital interatrial communication to enhance blood oxygenation.
6. An infant with a congenital cardiac anomaly undergoes a transcatheter atrial septostomy procedure to create effective atrial flow.
7. A provider performs a transcatheter atrial septostomy procedure on a child with a restrictive interatrial communication to improve oxygenation of the blood.
8. A patient with a congenital heart defect undergoes a transcatheter atrial septostomy procedure using a balloon method to enhance atrial flow.
9. A provider performs a transcatheter atrial septostomy procedure on an infant with a cardiac birth defect using the Sang-Park technique to improve blood oxygenation.
10. A child with a restrictive congenital interatrial communication undergoes a transcatheter atrial septostomy procedure to create effective atrial flow.