How To Use CPT Code 33803

CPT 33803 describes the surgical repair of an aberrant vessel, which is a blood vessel with an unusual course or origin. 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 33803?

CPT 33803 can be used to describe the surgical repair of an aberrant vessel. This code is used when a provider divides the aberrant vessel and removes any constricting fibrous bands that may be obstructing normal blood flow. The provider then performs reanastomosis, reconnecting the anomalous artery with other arteries to restore proper blood flow.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33803 is: ‘Division of aberrant vessel (vascular ring); with reanastomosis.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider makes an incision in the chest, such as a thoracotomy, to access the aberrant vessel.
3. The provider identifies and ligates, or ties off, the aberrant vessel.
4. The provider divides the aberrant vessel, removing any constricting fibrous bands.
5. The provider reconnects the anomalous artery with other arteries, using techniques such as reanastomosis or graft placement.
6. The provider closes the incision with sutures and may place chest or drainage tubes.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 33803 is performed when a patient has an aberrant vessel that is causing compression or obstruction of nearby structures, such as the trachea or esophagus. The procedure is typically performed by a provider with expertise in vascular surgery. It is important to note that CPT 33803 involves both the division of the aberrant vessel and the reanastomosis of the arteries.

5. When to use CPT code 33803

CPT code 33803 should be used when a provider performs the surgical division of an aberrant vessel and subsequently reconnects the arteries through reanastomosis. This code should not be used if the provider only divides the vascular ring without reanastomosis. It is important to carefully review the patient’s anatomy and the specific procedure performed to determine the appropriate code to report.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 33803, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for surgical repair of the aberrant vessel
• Details of the procedure, including the specific vessels involved and the technique used for reanastomosis
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional procedures performed, such as graft placement
• Any complications or unexpected findings
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 33803, ensure that the procedure involves the division of an aberrant vessel and reanastomosis. It is important to accurately document the specific vessels involved and any additional procedures performed. Review the documentation guidelines provided by the payer to ensure proper reimbursement. It is also important to compare CPT 33803 to similar codes, such as CPT 33802, to determine the most appropriate code to report based on the specific procedure performed.

8. Historical information

CPT 33803 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 reimbursement.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes surgical repair of an aberrant vessel that is compressing the trachea and esophagus.
2. A provider performs the division and reanastomosis of an anomalous artery to restore proper blood flow.
3. A patient with an aberrant vessel causing symptoms undergoes surgical intervention to alleviate the compression.
4. A provider performs the division and reanastomosis of an aberrant vessel, using a graft for reinforcement.
5. A patient with an aberrant vessel that is obstructing nearby structures undergoes surgical repair to restore normal blood flow.
6. A provider performs the division and reanastomosis of multiple aberrant vessels to relieve compression and restore proper blood flow.
7. A patient with an aberrant vessel causing respiratory distress undergoes surgical intervention to alleviate the obstruction.
8. A provider performs the division and reanastomosis of an anomalous artery, repositioning it to a more desirable location.
9. A patient with an aberrant vessel causing swallowing difficulties undergoes surgical repair to relieve the obstruction.
10. A provider performs the division and reanastomosis of an aberrant vessel, using advanced techniques to ensure proper blood flow restoration.