How To Use CPT Code 33813

CPT 33813 describes the procedure for obliterating an aortopulmonary septal defect without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. 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 33813?

CPT 33813 can be used to describe the procedure performed by a provider to correct an aortopulmonary septal defect without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. This code is used when the provider fixes a pericardial or synthetic patch to the area of abnormal communication between the ascending aorta and the pulmonary artery in a patient with a congenital heart anomaly.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33813 is: ‘Obliteration of aortopulmonary septal defect; without cardiopulmonary bypass.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient and administers anesthesia.
2. An incision is made in the chest, typically through a median sternotomy approach.
3. The provider visualizes the aortopulmonary defect.
4. A patch, either pericardial or synthetic, is attached to the defect using sutures.
5. The incision is closed with sutures.
6. The procedure is performed without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to undergo the procedure described by CPT 33813 are those with an aortopulmonary septal defect, which is an abnormal communication between the ascending aorta and the pulmonary artery. The procedure is performed in patients with a congenital heart anomaly. The provider uses a pericardial or synthetic patch to correct the defect, and the procedure is performed without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass.

5. When to use CPT code 33813

CPT code 33813 should be used when a provider performs the procedure to obliterate an aortopulmonary septal defect without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. This code is specific to cases where the defect is corrected using a pericardial or synthetic patch.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 33813, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of aortopulmonary septal defect
• Details of the procedure performed, including the use of a pericardial or synthetic patch
• Approach used for the incision (e.g., median sternotomy)
• Confirmation that the procedure was performed without cardiopulmonary bypass
• Any additional relevant details or complications encountered during the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 33813, ensure that the procedure was performed without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 33813 with other codes. However, it is important to review the documentation and compare it to other codes, such as CPT 33814, to ensure accurate reporting.

8. Historical information

CPT 33813 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.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs the procedure to obliterate an aortopulmonary septal defect without cardiopulmonary bypass using a pericardial patch.
2. A patient with a congenital heart anomaly undergoes the procedure to correct an aortopulmonary septal defect without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass.
3. A provider performs the procedure through a median sternotomy approach to fix a synthetic patch to the area of abnormal communication between the ascending aorta and the pulmonary artery.
4. The procedure to obliterate an aortopulmonary septal defect is performed without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass using a pericardial patch.
5. A provider corrects an aortopulmonary septal defect in a patient without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass by attaching a synthetic patch to the defect.
6. The procedure to obliterate an aortopulmonary septal defect is performed in a patient with a congenital heart anomaly using a pericardial patch without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass.
7. A provider performs the procedure to fix a pericardial patch to the area of abnormal communication between the ascending aorta and the pulmonary artery in a patient without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass.
8. The procedure to obliterate an aortopulmonary septal defect without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass is performed using a synthetic patch.
9. A patient undergoes the procedure to correct an aortopulmonary septal defect without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass by attaching a pericardial patch to the defect.
10. A provider performs the procedure to obliterate an aortopulmonary septal defect without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass using a synthetic patch.