How To Use CPT Code 33917

CPT 33917 describes the procedure for repairing a stenosis of the pulmonary artery by using a patch or graft to enlarge it. 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 33917?

CPT 33917 can be used to describe the surgical procedure performed to repair a stenosis of the pulmonary artery. Stenosis refers to the abnormal narrowing of the artery, which restricts the normal flow of blood. In this procedure, a qualified healthcare provider enlarges the narrowed portion of the artery by sewing in a patch or graft.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33917 is: ‘Repair of pulmonary artery stenosis by reconstruction with patch or graft.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares and anesthetizes the patient for the procedure.
2. An incision is made in the chest, typically through a median sternotomy approach, to access the pulmonary artery.
3. Cardiopulmonary bypass is established to maintain blood circulation during the procedure.
4. The narrowed area of the pulmonary artery is incised along its length, ensuring that the incision extends into healthy areas of the artery.
5. A patch or graft, typically taken from a healthy area of the body, is sewn into the narrowed portion of the artery to enlarge its diameter.
6. Once the repair is complete, the healthcare provider ensures hemostasis and closes the incision with sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 33917 is performed on patients with pulmonary artery stenosis, a condition characterized by the abnormal narrowing of the pulmonary artery. The procedure is typically carried out by a qualified healthcare provider who has the necessary expertise in performing pulmonary artery repairs. The use of a patch or graft to enlarge the artery is a key qualifying factor for this code.

5. When to use CPT code 33917

CPT code 33917 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a surgical repair of pulmonary artery stenosis by using a patch or graft to enlarge the narrowed portion of the artery. It is important to note that this code is specific to the repair of pulmonary artery stenosis and should not be used for other procedures or conditions.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 33917, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of pulmonary artery stenosis
• Details of the procedure, including the use of a patch or graft
• Approach used for accessing the pulmonary artery
• Documentation of cardiopulmonary bypass, if applicable
• Incision details and closure method

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 33917, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for repairing pulmonary artery stenosis using a patch or graft. It is important to follow the specific documentation requirements and guidelines provided by the payer. Additionally, be aware of any bundling or unbundling rules that may apply to this code.

8. Historical information

CPT 33917 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1994. The code has undergone no updates since its addition. However, it is important to stay updated with any changes or revisions that may occur in the future.

9. Examples

1. A cardiac surgeon performing a procedure to repair pulmonary artery stenosis by using a patch to enlarge the narrowed portion of the artery.
2. An interventional cardiologist utilizing a graft to repair pulmonary artery stenosis and improve blood flow.
3. A cardiothoracic surgeon performing a surgical repair of pulmonary artery stenosis by using a patch to widen the narrowed area.
4. A pediatric cardiac surgeon performing a procedure to repair pulmonary artery stenosis in a child using a graft.
5. An adult patient undergoing a surgical repair of pulmonary artery stenosis by using a patch to enlarge the narrowed portion of the artery.
6. A cardiovascular surgeon performing a procedure to repair pulmonary artery stenosis by using a graft to improve blood flow.
7. A thoracic surgeon utilizing a patch to repair pulmonary artery stenosis and restore normal blood flow.
8. A patient with pulmonary artery stenosis undergoing a surgical repair by using a graft to widen the narrowed area.
9. A cardiac surgeon performing a procedure to repair pulmonary artery stenosis by using a patch to enlarge the narrowed portion of the artery.
10. An interventional cardiologist utilizing a graft to repair pulmonary artery stenosis and improve blood flow.