How To Use CPT Code 33929

CPT 33929 describes the removal of a total replacement heart system (artificial heart) in preparation for a heart transplant. 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 33929?

CPT 33929 can be used to describe the removal of a total replacement heart system, also known as an artificial heart, in order to prepare the patient for a heart transplant. This code is used in addition to the code for the primary procedure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33929 is: ‘Removal of a total replacement heart system (artificial heart) for heart transplantation (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’ This code should be used when the provider removes the artificial heart as part of the preparation for a heart transplant.

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by preparing the patient for the procedure, ensuring that they are appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider then proceeds to remove the scar from the original implantation surgery of the artificial heart.
3. Next, the provider locates and evaluates the artificial heart, disconnecting it from the atria.
4. Finally, the provider removes the artificial heart, completing the process of preparing the patient for the heart transplant.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 33929 is used when a patient requires the removal of a total replacement heart system, or artificial heart, in preparation for a heart transplant. This procedure is typically performed on patients with end-stage heart failure who have no other treatment options available to them. The artificial heart is removed to make way for the implantation of a donor heart.

5. When to use CPT code 33929

CPT code 33929 should be used when a provider performs the removal of a total replacement heart system as part of the preparation for a heart transplant. It is important to note that this code should be reported in addition to the code for the primary procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 33929, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the removal of the artificial heart
• Details of the primary procedure, including the code used
• Date and time of the procedure
• Specific steps taken during the removal process
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 33929, ensure that the procedure is performed in conjunction with the primary procedure. This code should be reported in addition to the code for the primary procedure. It is important to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by the payer or coding guidelines.

8. Historical information

CPT 33929 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2018. It was added under the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider removes a total replacement heart system (artificial heart) in preparation for a heart transplant.
2. During the procedure, the provider excises the scar from the original implantation surgery and disconnects the artificial heart from the atria.
3. The provider then removes the artificial heart, completing the process of preparing the patient for the heart transplant.
4. After the removal, the provider proceeds with the primary procedure, which is the implantation of a donor heart.
5. Another example could be a patient with end-stage heart failure who undergoes the removal of the artificial heart to make way for a heart transplant.
6. The provider carefully removes the artificial heart, ensuring that the patient is prepared for the upcoming transplant surgery.
7. Following the removal, the provider proceeds with the heart transplant procedure, implanting a donor heart into the patient.
8. Each case may vary, but the common theme is the removal of the artificial heart to prepare the patient for a heart transplant.
9. It is important for the provider to document the details of the procedure, including the reason for the removal and any complications encountered.
10. By using CPT code 33929, the provider can accurately report the removal of the artificial heart in addition to the primary procedure.