How To Use CPT Code 33940

CPT 33940 describes the surgical procedure known as donor cardiectomy, which involves the removal of the heart for transplantation. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 33940?

CPT 33940 is used to describe the surgical procedure of donor cardiectomy, which involves the removal of the heart from a donor for transplantation purposes. This code is specifically used when the heart is placed in a cold preservation solution for later transplantation.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33940 is: ‘Donor cardiectomy (including cold preservation).’ This code represents the surgical removal of the heart from a donor, including the process of preserving the heart in a cold solution for transplantation.

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized for the surgical procedure.
2. The procurement provider performs a sternotomy, making an incision along the sternum or breastbone.
3. The incision is extended down to the abdomen, allowing access to the heart.
4. Multiple teams may be present during the procedure to harvest other organs, such as the kidney and liver.
5. The procurement provider inspects the heart to determine its suitability for transplantation.
6. Cannulas are placed into the aorta and pulmonary artery.
7. The aorta is clamped, and cold saline perfusion is performed through the cannulas.
8. The heart is then carefully removed from the donor’s body.
9. The heart is placed in a sterile container with a preserving solution and ice for transport or transplantation.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 33940 is performed when a donor cardiectomy is conducted, and the heart is preserved in a cold solution for transplantation. This procedure is typically performed by a procurement provider who is responsible for assessing the suitability of the heart for transplantation.

5. When to use CPT code 33940

CPT code 33940 should be used when a donor cardiectomy is performed, and the heart is preserved in a cold solution for transplantation. It is important to note that this code is specific to the surgical removal of the heart and does not encompass other aspects of the transplantation process.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 33940, the following documentation should be included:

• Details of the patient’s preoperative preparation and anesthesia administration
• Description of the surgical procedure, including the sternotomy and incision extension
• Documentation of the heart inspection and determination of suitability for transplantation
• Information on the placement of cannulas and the performance of cold saline perfusion
• Record of the heart removal and its placement in a sterile container with a preserving solution and ice

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 33940, it is important to ensure that the procedure performed aligns with the specific requirements of the code. Additionally, it is crucial to follow any additional guidelines provided by payers or regulatory bodies. It is also important to note that CPT code 33940 should not be reported with other codes related to backbench preparation services.

8. Historical information

CPT code 33940 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code underwent a change on January 1, 2005, when the description was updated to include the preservation of the allograft. In 2017, it was added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare.

9. Examples

1. A procurement provider performing a donor cardiectomy and preserving the heart in a cold solution for transplantation.
2. A surgical team conducting a sternotomy and extending the incision to the abdomen to access the heart for removal.
3. A procurement provider inspecting the heart to assess its suitability for transplantation.
4. A surgeon placing cannulas into the aorta and pulmonary artery for cold saline perfusion during a donor cardiectomy.
5. A procurement provider carefully removing the heart from the donor’s body and placing it in a sterile container with a preserving solution and ice.
6. A surgical team documenting the details of a donor cardiectomy, including the sternotomy, incision extension, and heart removal.
7. A procurement provider ensuring the heart is properly preserved in a cold solution for transportation to the recipient.
8. A surgeon performing a donor cardiectomy and coordinating with the transplant team for the timely transplantation of the preserved heart.
9. A procurement provider documenting the steps taken during a donor cardiectomy, including the inspection of the heart and the placement of cannulas.
10. A surgical team preparing the sterile container with a preserving solution and ice to store the heart after removal during a donor cardiectomy.