How To Use CPT Code 33966

CPT 33966 describes the percutaneous removal of peripheral cannula(e) for extracorporeal circulation in patients aged six years and older. 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 33966?

CPT 33966 can be used to describe the percutaneous removal of peripheral cannula(e) for extracorporeal circulation in patients aged six years and older. This code is used when a healthcare provider removes the cannula(e) through a small incision in the skin, allowing for the discontinuation of extracorporeal circulation.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33966 is: ‘Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)/extracorporeal life support (ECLS) provided by physician; removal of peripheral (arterial and/or venous) cannula(e), percutaneous, 6 years and older.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares the patient and administers anesthesia.
2. An incision is made over the peripheral arterial and/or venous cannula.
3. The area around the cannula is cleaned, and the cannula is removed from the vessel.
4. The provider carefully withdraws the cannula, ensuring the patient no longer requires extracorporeal circulation.
5. The incision is closed with sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 33966 is used when a patient aged six years and older requires the percutaneous removal of peripheral cannula(e) for extracorporeal circulation. This procedure is typically performed by a physician. The patient must have previously undergone extracorporeal circulation and no longer require it. The cannula(e) being removed must be located in the peripheral arteries and/or veins.

5. When to use CPT code 33966

CPT code 33966 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the percutaneous removal of peripheral cannula(e) for extracorporeal circulation in a patient aged six years and older. It is important to ensure that the patient meets the qualifying circumstances and that the procedure is performed percutaneously. This code should not be used for patients younger than six years old.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 33966, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s age and indication for the removal of peripheral cannula(e)
• Details of the procedure, including the incision site and the number of cannula(e) removed
• Date and time of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the performing physician

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 33966, ensure that the procedure is performed percutaneously and that the patient meets the age requirement. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer and to accurately document the procedure. CPT code 33966 should not be reported with other codes unless additional procedures were performed during the same session.

8. Historical information

CPT 33966 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2015. In 2017, it was added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare reimbursement.

9. Examples

1. A physician performing the percutaneous removal of peripheral cannula(e) for extracorporeal circulation in a 10-year-old patient.
2. A surgeon removing the cannula(e) from the femoral artery and vein in a 15-year-old patient who no longer requires extracorporeal circulation.
3. An interventional cardiologist performing the percutaneous removal of peripheral cannula(e) in a 40-year-old patient after successful ECMO treatment.
4. A cardiothoracic surgeon removing the cannula(e) from the jugular vein and femoral artery in a 60-year-old patient who has recovered from heart failure.
5. An anesthesiologist performing the percutaneous removal of peripheral cannula(e) in a 70-year-old patient who has completed ECMO treatment for respiratory failure.
6. A pediatric surgeon removing the cannula(e) from the femoral artery and vein in a 7-year-old patient who has recovered from a severe cardiac condition.
7. A vascular surgeon performing the percutaneous removal of peripheral cannula(e) in a 55-year-old patient who no longer requires extracorporeal circulation after successful treatment for acute respiratory distress syndrome.
8. An interventional radiologist removing the cannula(e) from the femoral artery and vein in a 45-year-old patient who has recovered from severe sepsis.
9. A cardiothoracic surgeon performing the percutaneous removal of peripheral cannula(e) in a 50-year-old patient who has completed ECMO treatment for cardiogenic shock.
10. An interventional cardiologist removing the cannula(e) from the femoral artery and vein in a 65-year-old patient who has recovered from a myocardial infarction.