How To Use CPT Code 33802

CPT 33802 describes the surgical procedure of dividing and repairing an aberrant vessel, which is a blood vessel with an unusual origin or course. 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 33802?

CPT 33802 can be used to describe the surgical repair of an aberrant vessel, which is a blood vessel that has an unusual origin or course. The procedure involves dividing the vessel and removing any constricting fibrous bands that may be obstructing normal blood flow. This code is used when the provider performs the surgery to relieve pressure on the trachea and esophagus caused by the aberrant vessel.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33802 is: ‘Division of aberrant vessel (vascular ring).’ This code is used when the provider surgically divides an aberrant vessel and removes any constricting fibrous bands that may be affecting the normal blood flow through the vessel.

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized for the surgery.
2. The provider makes an incision in the chest, typically through a thoracotomy approach, to access the organs in the chest cavity.
3. Based on the patient’s anatomy, the provider identifies and ligates, or ties off, the aberrant vessel.
4. The provider dissects the vessel down to the trachea and esophagus, ensuring that any constricting fibrous bands are removed.
5. The incision is closed with sutures, and chest or drainage tubes may be placed if necessary.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 33802 is used for patients who have an aberrant vessel that is causing pressure on the trachea and esophagus. The surgery is performed to relieve this pressure and improve the patient’s blood flow. The patient must meet the criteria for the surgery, and the provider must document the medical necessity for the procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 33802

CPT code 33802 should be used when the provider performs the surgical division of an aberrant vessel to relieve pressure on the trachea and esophagus. It is important to ensure that the patient meets the qualifying circumstances for the procedure and that the medical necessity is documented.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 33802, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for surgical intervention
• Details of the surgical procedure, including the approach used and any additional procedures performed
• Date of the surgery
• Any complications or unexpected findings during the surgery
• Post-operative care instructions and any follow-up appointments scheduled
• Signature of the provider performing the surgery

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 33802, ensure that the surgery meets the qualifying circumstances and that the documentation supports the medical necessity. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer and to use the appropriate modifiers if required. Additionally, be aware of any bundling or unbundling issues with other codes and follow the correct coding guidelines for accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 33802 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code underwent a change on January 1, 2010, with the addition of the description ‘Division of aberrant vessel (vascular ring).’ In 2017, it was added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes surgery for the division of an aberrant vessel causing pressure on the trachea and esophagus.
2. A provider performs a thoracotomy and divides an aberrant vessel to relieve pressure on the trachea and esophagus.
3. A patient with an aberrant vessel undergoes surgery to remove constricting fibrous bands and improve blood flow.
4. A provider surgically repairs an aberrant vessel by dividing it and removing any obstructions to normal blood flow.
5. A patient with an aberrant vessel undergoes surgery to relieve pressure on the trachea and esophagus.
6. A provider performs a surgical procedure to repair an aberrant vessel and improve blood flow.
7. A patient undergoes surgery to divide an aberrant vessel and remove constricting fibrous bands.
8. A provider surgically repairs an aberrant vessel to relieve pressure on the trachea and esophagus.
9. A patient with an aberrant vessel undergoes surgery to improve blood flow and relieve symptoms.
10. A provider performs a surgical procedure to relieve pressure on the trachea and esophagus caused by an aberrant vessel.