How To Use CPT Code 33897

CPT 33897 describes the percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of native or recurrent coarctation of the aorta. 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 33897?

CPT 33897 can be used to describe a minimally invasive procedure performed to widen a narrowing in the coarctation of the aorta. This code is used when the provider uses a percutaneous transluminal angioplasty technique to open up or widen the lumen of the blood vessel without stent placement.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33897 is: ‘Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of native or recurrent coarctation of the aorta.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient and administers anesthesia.
2. An incision is made to access the target blood vessel.
3. An opening is created in the vessel, and a sheath, guidewire, and catheter are introduced.
4. The provider uses imaging guidance to navigate the catheter to the heart and then to the coarctation in the aorta.
5. Angiography may be performed to visualize the target lesion.
6. A balloon is inflated in the target zone to widen the narrowing.
7. The provider confirms the success of the widening and removes all instruments.
8. The access site is closed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 33897 is used for patients with native or recurrent coarctation of the aorta, a narrowing that is generally present at birth. This procedure is performed using a minimally invasive approach, without the placement of a stent. It is important to note that CPT 33897 should not be reported in conjunction with certain other codes, as specified in the notes.

5. When to use CPT code 33897

CPT code 33897 should be used when the provider performs percutaneous transluminal angioplasty to widen the coarctation of the aorta without stent placement. It should not be reported with certain other codes, as indicated in the notes.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 33897, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of native or recurrent coarctation of the aorta
• Description of the procedure performed, including the use of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty without stent placement
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the procedure, such as the use of imaging guidance, angiography, and balloon inflation
• Confirmation of the success of the widening
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 33897, ensure that the procedure performed is percutaneous transluminal angioplasty without stent placement for coarctation of the aorta. It should not be reported in conjunction with certain other codes, as specified in the notes. Additional tips for reporting CPT 33897 may be available, so it is important to review the complete documentation and guidelines.

8. Historical information

CPT 33897 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2022. It has been listed under the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs percutaneous transluminal angioplasty without stent placement to widen the coarctation of the aorta in a patient with a recurrent narrowing.
2. A patient with native coarctation of the aorta undergoes percutaneous transluminal angioplasty without stent placement to widen the narrowing.
3. A provider performs percutaneous transluminal angioplasty without stent placement to treat a recurrent coarctation of the aorta in a patient who previously underwent surgical repair.
4. A patient with native coarctation of the aorta undergoes percutaneous transluminal angioplasty without stent placement as the initial treatment approach.
5. A provider performs percutaneous transluminal angioplasty without stent placement to widen the coarctation of the aorta in a patient with a history of congenital heart defects.
6. A patient with recurrent coarctation of the aorta undergoes percutaneous transluminal angioplasty without stent placement to improve blood flow.
7. A provider performs percutaneous transluminal angioplasty without stent placement to treat a native coarctation of the aorta in a pediatric patient.
8. A patient with a recurrent narrowing in the coarctation of the aorta undergoes percutaneous transluminal angioplasty without stent placement as a less invasive alternative to surgery.
9. A provider performs percutaneous transluminal angioplasty without stent placement to widen the coarctation of the aorta in a patient with symptoms of reduced blood flow.
10. A patient with native coarctation of the aorta undergoes percutaneous transluminal angioplasty without stent placement to alleviate hypertension and improve overall cardiovascular health.