How To Use CPT Code 33788

CPT 33788 describes the repair and reimplantation of an anomalous pulmonary artery by a healthcare provider. 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 33788?

CPT 33788 can be used to describe the repair and reimplantation of an anomalous pulmonary artery by a healthcare provider. This code is used when the provider performs a surgical procedure to correct an abnormal origin of the pulmonary artery.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33788 is: ‘Reimplantation of an anomalous pulmonary artery.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares and anesthetizes the patient.
2. An incision is made in the chest, and cardiopulmonary bypass is initiated.
3. A cardioplegic solution is infused to temporarily stop the heart.
4. The anomalous pulmonary artery is divided from its connection to the aorta and the defect is closed using a patch.
5. An incision is made in the main pulmonary artery.
6. The anomalous artery is reattached directly or with an extension, or in rare cases, a prosthesis may be used.
7. The incision is closed with sutures, and chest or drainage tubes may be placed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 33788 services are those with an anomalous origin of the pulmonary artery that requires surgical repair and reimplantation. The procedure is performed by a healthcare provider who is trained and qualified to perform this specific surgical intervention.

5. When to use CPT code 33788

CPT code 33788 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the repair and reimplantation of an anomalous pulmonary artery. This code is specific to this surgical procedure and should not be used for other interventions or conditions.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 33788, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for repair and reimplantation of the pulmonary artery
• Details of the surgical procedure, including the specific steps performed
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional procedures or interventions performed during the same surgical session
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 33788, ensure that the procedure performed is the repair and reimplantation of an anomalous pulmonary artery. Follow the appropriate coding guidelines and ensure accurate documentation to support the claim. CPT code 33788 should not be reported with other codes unless additional procedures or interventions were performed during the same surgical session.

8. Historical information

CPT 33788 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. It was later added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare in 2017.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performing the repair and reimplantation of an anomalous pulmonary artery in a patient with a congenital heart defect.
2. A surgeon correcting an abnormal origin of the pulmonary artery in a pediatric patient.
3. A cardiothoracic surgeon performing the reimplantation of an anomalous pulmonary artery in an adult patient with a history of heart disease.
4. A healthcare provider repairing a pulmonary artery defect in a patient undergoing cardiac surgery.
5. A cardiac surgeon reattaching an anomalous pulmonary artery using a prosthesis in a patient with complex heart anatomy.
6. A pediatric cardiologist performing the repair and reimplantation of an anomalous pulmonary artery in an infant with a congenital heart defect.
7. A cardiovascular surgeon correcting an abnormal origin of the pulmonary artery in a patient with pulmonary hypertension.
8. A healthcare provider performing the reimplantation of an anomalous pulmonary artery in a patient with a history of recurrent respiratory infections.
9. A cardiac surgeon repairing a pulmonary artery defect in a patient with a history of congenital heart disease.
10. A pediatric cardiologist reattaching an anomalous pulmonary artery using an extension in a child with complex heart anatomy.