How To Use CPT Code 33894

CPT 33894 describes the endovascular stent repair of coarctation of the ascending, transverse, or descending thoracic or abdominal aorta, involving stent placement across major side branches. 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 33894?

CPT 33894 can be used to describe the minimally invasive procedure in which a stent is placed across one or more major side branches of the aorta to treat coarctation, a narrowing of the aorta typically present at birth. This code is used when the provider uses a tube-like stent to open or widen the narrowed area and support the weakened part of the aorta.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33894 is: ‘Endovascular stent repair of coarctation of the ascending, transverse, or descending thoracic or abdominal aorta, involving stent placement; across major side branches.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient and administers anesthesia.
2. An incision is made to access the target blood vessel.
3. The provider introduces items for the endovascular procedure, such as a sheath, guidewire, and catheter.
4. Using imaging guidance, the provider navigates the catheter to the heart.
5. A temporary pacemaker may be inserted to facilitate stent placement.
6. The provider may perform diagnostic congenital left heart catheterization to examine and assess the heart.
7. The provider navigates to the coarctation in the aorta, which may be in the thoracic or abdominal region.
8. Angiography may be used to visualize the target lesion, and balloon angioplasty may be performed to widen the narrowed area.
9. The provider places the stent across one or more major side branches of the aorta.
10. Additional stents may be placed for extension if necessary.
11. The provider confirms stent placement and removes all instruments.
12. The access site is closed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 33894 services are those with coarctation of the ascending, transverse, or descending thoracic or abdominal aorta. The procedure involves the placement of a stent across major side branches of the aorta. The provider must use imaging guidance and may perform diagnostic congenital left heart catheterization and balloon angioplasty. The procedure is typically performed in a minimally invasive manner.

5. When to use CPT code 33894

CPT code 33894 should be used when the provider performs endovascular stent repair for coarctation of the ascending, transverse, or descending thoracic or abdominal aorta, involving stent placement across major side branches. This code should be used specifically for this procedure and not for other interventions or conditions.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 33894, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of coarctation of the ascending, transverse, or descending thoracic or abdominal aorta
• Details of the procedure performed, including the use of imaging guidance, diagnostic congenital left heart catheterization, and balloon angioplasty
• Specific location of the coarctation in the aorta
• Confirmation of stent placement and any additional stents placed
• Date of the procedure
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 33894, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria described in the official description. The provider should document the necessary information to support the claim. It is important to follow any additional guidelines provided by payers or coding authorities. Report CPT 33894 separately and do not report it with other codes unless specifically instructed to do so.

8. Historical information

CPT 33894 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2022. As of the provided information, there have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition. However, it is always important to stay updated with any revisions or modifications to coding guidelines.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs endovascular stent repair of coarctation of the ascending aorta, involving stent placement across major side branches.
2. A patient undergoes endovascular stent repair of coarctation of the descending thoracic aorta, involving stent placement across major side branches.
3. A provider performs endovascular stent repair of coarctation of the abdominal aorta, involving stent placement across major side branches.
4. A patient undergoes endovascular stent repair of coarctation of the transverse thoracic aorta, involving stent placement across major side branches.
5. A provider performs endovascular stent repair of coarctation of the ascending aorta, involving stent placement across major side branches and balloon angioplasty.