How To Use CPT Code 33915

CPT 33915 describes a surgical procedure performed to remove a blockage or embolus from the pulmonary artery without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. This article will cover the description, official details, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 33915?

CPT 33915 can be used to describe a surgical procedure in which a provider urgently removes a blockage or embolus from the pulmonary artery. This life-threatening blockage often occurs when a blood clot from the leg travels to the heart, obstructing blood flow to the lungs. Unlike CPT 33910, this code does not involve the use of cardiopulmonary bypass.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33915 is: ‘Pulmonary artery embolectomy; without cardiopulmonary bypass.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares and anesthetizes the patient for the procedure.
2. An incision is made in the chest, typically through a median sternotomy approach.
3. The provider identifies, isolates, and dissects the pulmonary artery from the surrounding structures.
4. The pulmonary artery is inspected to visualize the clot.
5. The provider may attempt mechanical manipulation to mobilize the clot and remove it through the hole, or forceps may be used to remove the clot in one piece.
6. The provider repairs the artery.
7. The incision is closed with sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 33915 is performed on patients with a life-threatening blockage or embolus in the pulmonary artery. This blockage is commonly caused by a blood clot that has traveled from the leg to the heart, obstructing blood flow to the lungs. The procedure is performed by a qualified provider who does not use cardiopulmonary bypass during the surgery.

5. When to use CPT code 33915

CPT code 33915 should be used when a provider performs a pulmonary artery embolectomy without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. It is important to accurately document the absence of cardiopulmonary bypass during the procedure to support the use of this code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 33915, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the pulmonary artery embolectomy
• Details of the procedure, including the approach used and any specific techniques employed
• Confirmation that cardiopulmonary bypass was not used during the surgery
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the performing provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 33915, ensure that the procedure was performed without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. It is important to accurately document this information to support the use of this code. Additionally, consider any specific billing guidelines provided by payers or coding guidelines to ensure proper reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT 33915 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code has not undergone any updates since its addition. In 2017, it was added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs a pulmonary artery embolectomy without cardiopulmonary bypass to remove a life-threatening blood clot obstructing blood flow to the lungs.
2. During surgery, a blockage in the pulmonary artery is urgently removed by a qualified provider without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass.
3. A patient undergoes a procedure in which a provider removes an embolus from the pulmonary artery without the need for cardiopulmonary bypass.
4. A surgical team performs a pulmonary artery embolectomy without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass to save a patient’s life.
5. A provider successfully removes a blockage from the pulmonary artery without the need for cardiopulmonary bypass, restoring normal blood flow to the lungs.
6. During an emergency procedure, a qualified provider performs a pulmonary artery embolectomy without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass to remove a life-threatening clot.
7. A patient undergoes surgery in which a provider urgently removes an embolus from the pulmonary artery without the need for cardiopulmonary bypass.
8. A surgical team performs a pulmonary artery embolectomy without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass to restore blood flow to the lungs.
9. A provider successfully removes a blockage from the pulmonary artery without the need for cardiopulmonary bypass, saving the patient’s life.
10. During an emergency procedure, a qualified provider performs a pulmonary artery embolectomy without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass to remove a life-threatening clot and restore normal blood flow to the lungs.