How To Use CPT Code 33750

CPT 33750 describes a surgical procedure that involves creating a shunt between the subclavian artery and the pulmonary artery. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 33750?

CPT 33750 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure in which a shunt is created between the subclavian artery and the pulmonary artery. This procedure is performed to improve oxygenation of the blood in patients with cyanosis caused by insufficient pulmonary blood flow due to a congenital heart defect. The shunt diverts blood from the subclavian artery to the pulmonary artery, effectively treating the cyanosis. It is important to note that this procedure is typically performed as a temporary measure until another procedure can be done to correct the underlying heart defect.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33750 is: ‘Shunt; subclavian to pulmonary artery (Blalock-Taussig type operation).’ This procedure involves creating a shunt between the subclavian artery and the pulmonary artery to improve blood flow and oxygenation in patients with cyanosis.

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider makes an incision in the chest wall to open the chest.
3. The provider identifies and ligates the end of the subclavian artery going to the arm.
4. A connection is created between the subclavian artery and the right or left pulmonary artery using a synthetic material or graft.
5. This connection forms a shunt, diverting blood from the subclavian artery to the pulmonary artery.
6. The shunt improves the amount of blood that flows to the lungs, effectively treating the cyanosis.
7. All bleeding is stopped, and the chest wall is closed by suturing the soft tissues in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 33750 is typically performed on patients with cyanosis caused by insufficient pulmonary blood flow due to a congenital heart defect. The procedure is temporary and serves as a means to improve oxygenation until a more definitive procedure can be performed to correct the underlying heart defect. It is important to note that this procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare professional and requires the use of a synthetic material or graft to create the shunt.

5. When to use CPT code 33750

CPT code 33750 should be used when a provider performs a surgical procedure to create a shunt between the subclavian artery and the pulmonary artery. This procedure is typically performed in patients with cyanosis caused by insufficient pulmonary blood flow due to a congenital heart defect. It is important to note that this procedure is temporary and serves as a means to improve oxygenation until a more definitive procedure can be performed to correct the underlying heart defect.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 33750, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the shunt procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the specific vessels involved and the type of shunt created
• Date of the procedure
• Any complications or unexpected findings during the procedure
• Post-operative care instructions
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 33750, ensure that the procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare professional and that the documentation supports the medical necessity of the procedure. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate and appropriate billing. It is also important to note that CPT code 33750 should not be reported with other codes unless specifically indicated by the payer.

8. Historical information

CPT code 33750 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. In 2017, it was added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare billing purposes.

9. Examples

1. A provider creates a shunt between the subclavian artery and the pulmonary artery to improve oxygenation in a patient with cyanosis caused by a congenital heart defect.
2. A surgical team performs a temporary shunt procedure on an infant with insufficient pulmonary blood flow due to a double inlet left ventricle.
3. A patient with cyanosis undergoes a shunt procedure to divert blood from the subclavian artery to the pulmonary artery, improving oxygenation.
4. A provider performs a Blalock-Taussig type operation to create a shunt between the subclavian artery and the pulmonary artery in a patient with a congenital heart defect.
5. A surgical team uses a synthetic graft to create a shunt between the subclavian artery and the pulmonary artery, improving blood flow and oxygenation in a patient with cyanosis.
6. A provider performs a temporary shunt procedure to improve oxygenation in a patient with cyanosis caused by insufficient pulmonary blood flow.
7. A patient with a congenital heart defect undergoes a shunt procedure to divert blood from the subclavian artery to the pulmonary artery, improving oxygenation and treating cyanosis.
8. A surgical team creates a shunt between the subclavian artery and the pulmonary artery to improve blood flow and oxygenation in a patient with cyanosis.
9. A provider performs a shunt procedure to improve oxygenation in a patient with cyanosis caused by a congenital heart defect.
10. A patient with insufficient pulmonary blood flow undergoes a shunt procedure to improve oxygenation and treat cyanosis.