How To Use CPT Code 33922

CPT 33922 describes a surgical procedure performed on the pulmonary artery with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. 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 33922?

CPT 33922 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure performed on the pulmonary artery. This procedure involves transecting or incising across the pulmonary artery to address an underlying anomaly. The surgery is performed with the assistance of cardiopulmonary bypass, which temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs during the procedure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33922 is: ‘The provider surgically transects or incises across the pulmonary artery due to an underlying anomaly of the pulmonary artery. He performs this procedure with cardiopulmonary bypass.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider makes an incision in the chest to access the pulmonary artery.
3. Cardiopulmonary bypass is initiated to maintain circulation and oxygenation during the procedure.
4. The provider identifies and ties off any distal branches of the pulmonary artery.
5. The pulmonary artery is transected or incised above and below the diseased portion.
6. The resulting stumps are closed using sutures, staples, or other closure methods.
7. In some cases, a graft may be created using a piece of the pulmonary artery or an organ donor aorta to serve as a substitute vascular conduit.
8. Once the procedure is completed, the incision is closed with sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 33922 is performed on patients with an underlying anomaly of the pulmonary artery that requires surgical intervention. The procedure is typically performed by a qualified healthcare provider who is experienced in performing surgeries on the pulmonary artery. The use of cardiopulmonary bypass is necessary to maintain circulation and oxygenation during the procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 33922

CPT code 33922 should be used when a surgical procedure is performed on the pulmonary artery to address an underlying anomaly. It is important to ensure that the procedure is performed with the assistance of cardiopulmonary bypass. This code should not be used for other repair procedures on the pulmonary artery, as there are specific codes available for those procedures.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 33922, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for surgical intervention on the pulmonary artery
• Details of the procedure performed, including the use of cardiopulmonary bypass
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional details or complications encountered during the procedure
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 33922, it is important to ensure that the procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare provider and that cardiopulmonary bypass is utilized. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 33922 with other codes. However, it is important to review any applicable payer guidelines and modifiers to ensure accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 33922 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1994. It was later added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare in 2017.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes surgical transection of the pulmonary artery with cardiopulmonary bypass to address an anomaly in the artery.
2. A healthcare provider performs an incision across the pulmonary artery and closes the resulting stumps using sutures.
3. A surgical team utilizes cardiopulmonary bypass to perform a procedure on the pulmonary artery, addressing a specific anomaly.
4. A patient with a congenital defect in the pulmonary artery undergoes surgical intervention with the assistance of cardiopulmonary bypass.
5. A qualified healthcare provider performs a surgical procedure on the pulmonary artery, utilizing a graft as a substitute vascular conduit.
6. A patient with a diseased portion of the pulmonary artery undergoes surgical transection and closure of the stumps.
7. A healthcare provider performs a procedure on the pulmonary artery, tying off distal branches and utilizing cardiopulmonary bypass.
8. A surgical team performs an incision across the pulmonary artery and closes the resulting stumps using staples.
9. A patient with an underlying anomaly in the pulmonary artery undergoes surgical intervention with the assistance of cardiopulmonary bypass.
10. A qualified healthcare provider performs a surgical procedure on the pulmonary artery, utilizing an organ donor aorta as a graft.