How To Use CPT Code 33820

CPT 33820 describes the procedure of repairing a patent ductus arteriosus by ligation. 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 33820?

CPT 33820 can be used to describe the repair of a patent ductus arteriosus, which is an opening between the major blood vessels leading from the heart. The procedure involves using ligation to join the vessels with sutures and close the ductus. This code is used when the provider performs the repair using a sternotomy or thoracotomy approach.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33820 is: ‘Repair of patent ductus arteriosus; by ligation.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares and anesthetizes the patient.
2. Using a sternotomy or thoracotomy approach, the provider accesses the heart.
3. The provider assesses the patient’s anatomy and opens the pericardium if necessary to identify the patent ductus arteriosus.
4. Once the opening is located, the provider performs ligation by closing the ductus using a heavy suture around the opening and tying it off.
5. The provider closes the incision with sutures and may place chest or drainage tubes before dressing the chest incision.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible for CPT 33820 are those with a patent ductus arteriosus, which is a persistent opening between two major blood vessels leading from the heart. The opening should be causing symptoms or complications that require surgical repair. The procedure is performed by a qualified provider using ligation to close the ductus.

5. When to use CPT code 33820

CPT code 33820 should be used when a provider performs the repair of a patent ductus arteriosus using ligation. It is appropriate when the procedure is performed through a sternotomy or thoracotomy approach. This code should not be used for other methods of repair or for repairs of different cardiac anomalies.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 33820, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of patent ductus arteriosus
• Details of the procedure, including the approach used (sternotomy or thoracotomy)
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional procedures performed during the same operative session
• Any complications or unexpected findings
• Signature of the performing provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 33820, ensure that the procedure is performed by a qualified provider using ligation to repair a patent ductus arteriosus. Use the appropriate CPT code based on the specific repair procedure performed. It is important to follow any additional guidelines or requirements set by the payer or insurance company.

8. Historical information

CPT 33820 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 pediatric cardiac surgeon performing ligation to repair a patent ductus arteriosus in an infant.
2. A cardiothoracic surgeon using a sternotomy approach to perform ligation for a patient with a patent ductus arteriosus.
3. A patient with symptoms of a patent ductus arteriosus undergoing repair by ligation during a thoracotomy procedure.
4. A provider performing ligation to close a patent ductus arteriosus in a teenager with complications.
5. A cardiac surgeon using ligation to repair a patent ductus arteriosus in an adult patient.
6. A patient with a persistent patent ductus arteriosus undergoing ligation repair during a sternotomy procedure.
7. A provider performing ligation to close a patent ductus arteriosus in a patient with associated cardiac anomalies.
8. A pediatric cardiac surgeon using ligation to repair a patent ductus arteriosus in a premature infant.
9. A patient with recurrent symptoms of a patent ductus arteriosus undergoing ligation repair during a thoracotomy procedure.
10. A cardiothoracic surgeon performing ligation to repair a patent ductus arteriosus in a patient with a history of heart disease.