How To Use CPT Code 33920

CPT 33920 describes the surgical procedure for repairing pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect by constructing or replacing a conduit from the right or left ventricle to the pulmonary artery. 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 33920?

CPT 33920 can be used to describe the surgical repair of pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect. This procedure involves constructing or replacing a conduit from either the right or left ventricle to the pulmonary artery. It is performed to correct the abnormal development of the pulmonary valve and to close the hole between the right and left pumping chambers of the heart.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33920 is: ‘Repair of pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect, by construction or replacement of conduit from right or left ventricle to pulmonary artery.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by making an incision in the chest to access the heart.
2. Cardiopulmonary bypass is established to temporarily take over the function of the heart and lungs.
3. A connection is created between the right or left ventricle and the pulmonary vessels using a conduit or channel.
4. Noncardiac sources of pulmonary blood flow are tied off.
5. The ventricular and atrial septal defects are closed.
6. The incision is closed with sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 33920 is performed on patients with pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect. The procedure is done by a provider who constructs or replaces a conduit from the right or left ventricle to the pulmonary artery. It is important to note that CPT code 33608 should be used for the repair of other complex cardiac anomalies involving the right or left ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit.

5. When to use CPT code 33920

CPT code 33920 should be used when a provider performs the surgical repair of pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect by constructing or replacing a conduit from the right or left ventricle to the pulmonary artery. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 33920, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect
• Details of the conduit construction or replacement
• Date of the procedure
• Specific steps performed during the surgery
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 33920, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria outlined in the code description. It is important to use the appropriate code for the specific repair being performed. For other complex cardiac anomalies involving the right or left ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit, use CPT code 33608. It is also important to follow any additional guidelines provided by payers or regulatory bodies.

8. Historical information

CPT 33920 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1994. In 2017, it was added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs the surgical repair of pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect by constructing a conduit from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery.
2. A patient with pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect undergoes a surgical procedure in which a conduit is replaced from the left ventricle to the pulmonary artery.
3. A provider performs the repair of pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect using a conduit constructed from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery.
4. A patient with pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect undergoes a surgical procedure in which a conduit is replaced from the left ventricle to the pulmonary artery.
5. A provider performs the surgical repair of pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect by constructing a conduit from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery.
6. A patient with pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect undergoes a surgical procedure in which a conduit is replaced from the left ventricle to the pulmonary artery.
7. A provider performs the repair of pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect using a conduit constructed from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery.
8. A patient with pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect undergoes a surgical procedure in which a conduit is replaced from the left ventricle to the pulmonary artery.
9. A provider performs the surgical repair of pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect by constructing a conduit from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery.
10. A patient with pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect undergoes a surgical procedure in which a conduit is replaced from the left ventricle to the pulmonary artery.