How To Use CPT Code 33824

CPT 33824 describes the repair of a patent ductus arteriosus in patients who are 18 years and older. 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 33824?

CPT 33824 can be used to describe the repair of a patent ductus arteriosus in patients who are 18 years and older. This code is used when a healthcare provider divides the opening between the major blood vessels leading from the heart and sutures the stumps together to close the ductus.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33824 is: ‘Repair of patent ductus arteriosus; by division, 18 years and older.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares and anesthetizes the patient.
2. Using a sternotomy or thoracotomy approach, the provider accesses the heart.
3. The provider identifies the patent ductus arteriosus, which is an abnormal communication between the pulmonary artery and aorta.
4. The provider divides the ductus and sutures the stumps together to close the opening.
5. Chest or drainage tubes may be placed, and the incision is closed with sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 33824 is used for patients who are 18 years and older and require the repair of a patent ductus arteriosus. A patent ductus arteriosus is a persistent opening between the major blood vessels leading from the heart. The procedure is performed by a healthcare provider using a sternotomy or thoracotomy approach.

5. When to use CPT code 33824

CPT code 33824 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the repair of a patent ductus arteriosus in a patient who is 18 years and older. It should not be used for patients younger than 18 years old or for other types of repairs or procedures.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 33824, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s age
• Description of the repair procedure performed
• Details of the approach used (sternotomy or thoracotomy)
• Any additional procedures or interventions performed
• Any complications or unexpected findings
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 33824, ensure that the patient is 18 years or older and that the procedure is performed to repair a patent ductus arteriosus. It should not be reported with other codes unless additional procedures or interventions are performed. Follow the appropriate coding guidelines and modifiers if necessary.

8. Historical information

CPT 33824 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code has not undergone any updates since its addition. It is important to stay updated with any changes or revisions to the code in future editions.

9. Examples

1. A 25-year-old patient undergoes a repair of a patent ductus arteriosus using a sternotomy approach.
2. A 40-year-old patient requires the division and closure of a patent ductus arteriosus through a thoracotomy.
3. A 60-year-old patient undergoes the repair of a patent ductus arteriosus with cardiopulmonary bypass.
4. A 70-year-old patient requires the ligation and closure of a patent ductus arteriosus through a thoracotomy with cardiopulmonary bypass.
5. An 18-year-old patient undergoes the division and closure of a patent ductus arteriosus using a sternotomy approach.