How To Use CPT Code 33925

CPT code 33925 describes a surgical procedure performed on the pulmonary artery to repair arborization anomalies and create a unifocal blood supply without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 33925?

CPT 33925 can be used to describe a surgical procedure performed on the pulmonary artery to repair arborization anomalies and create a unifocal blood supply. This procedure is done without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass, and it aims to reroute misdirected blood vessels into a single vessel or into the pulmonary artery.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33925 is: ‘Repair of pulmonary artery arborization anomalies by unifocalization; without cardiopulmonary bypass.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider makes an incision in the chest, using an approach such as thoracotomy or sternotomy.
2. They access the major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs) and separate them from the aorta and other vessels as necessary.
3. The provider then closes the stumps on the aorta and sutures the free ends of the collateral arteries to the appropriate pulmonary artery segments.
4. Alternatively, they may ligate or tie off these side branches at their origin to control perfusion.
5. The goal is to effectively reroute the misdirected blood vessels into a single vessel or into the pulmonary artery.
6. Finally, the provider closes the incision with sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 33925 is performed on patients with pulmonary artery arborization anomalies, such as pulmonary atresia, where the pulmonary valve does not develop properly. The procedure is done without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass, and it aims to create a unifocal blood supply. The provider must access the major aortopulmonary collateral arteries and reroute them into a single vessel or into the pulmonary artery.

5. When to use CPT code 33925

CPT code 33925 should be used when a provider performs a surgical repair of pulmonary artery arborization anomalies by unifocalization without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. 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 33925, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of pulmonary artery arborization anomalies
• Description of the procedure performed, including the approach used (e.g., thoracotomy or sternotomy)
• Details of the major aortopulmonary collateral arteries accessed and how they were rerouted
• Any additional procedures performed during the surgery
• Any complications or unexpected findings
• Signature of the performing provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 33925, ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. It should be performed without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. It is important to review the documentation requirements and ensure that all necessary information is included in the claim. Additionally, be aware of any specific billing guidelines or modifiers that may apply to this procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 33925 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2006. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition. However, it is important to stay updated with any future changes or revisions to the code.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs CPT 33925 on a patient with pulmonary atresia to reroute the major aortopulmonary collateral arteries into the pulmonary artery without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass.
2. During the procedure, the provider accesses the major aortopulmonary collateral arteries through a sternotomy and sutures them to the appropriate pulmonary artery segments, creating a unifocal blood supply.
3. Another patient with pulmonary artery arborization anomalies undergoes CPT 33925, and the provider ligates the side branches at their origin to control perfusion and reroute the blood vessels into a single vessel.
4. In a different case, the provider performs CPT 33925 using a thoracotomy approach to repair the misdirected blood vessels and create a unifocal blood supply in a patient with pulmonary artery arborization anomalies.
5. A provider performs CPT 33925 on a patient with pulmonary atresia, effectively rerouting the major aortopulmonary collateral arteries into the pulmonary artery without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass.
6. During the procedure, the provider separates the major aortopulmonary collateral arteries from the aorta and sutures them to the appropriate pulmonary artery segments, resulting in a unifocal blood supply.
7. Another patient with pulmonary artery arborization anomalies undergoes CPT 33925, and the provider ligates the side branches at their origin to control perfusion and reroute the blood vessels into a single vessel.
8. In a different case, the provider performs CPT 33925 using a sternotomy approach to repair the misdirected blood vessels and create a unifocal blood supply in a patient with pulmonary artery arborization anomalies.
9. A provider performs CPT 33925 on a patient with pulmonary atresia, effectively rerouting the major aortopulmonary collateral arteries into the pulmonary artery without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass.