How To Use CPT Code 33971

CPT 33971 describes the removal of an intra-aortic balloon assist device, including the repair of the femoral artery, with or without a graft. 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 33971?

CPT 33971 is used to describe the procedure of removing an intra-aortic balloon assist device from the aorta. This procedure also includes the repair of the femoral artery, which may involve the use of a graft. The provider performs this procedure once the patient has stabilized and it is deemed necessary to remove the balloon. It is important to note that the placement of the intra-aortic balloon catheter is a separate procedure and should be reported separately.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33971 is: ‘Removal of intra-aortic balloon assist device including repair of femoral artery, with or without graft.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient for the procedure and ensures they are appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider weans the patient off the intra-aortic balloon assist device and discontinues the balloon pumping.
3. The provider removes any sutures holding the balloon catheter to the skin and opens the previous incision.
4. Tourniquets are used to occlude the femoral artery, and the provider incises the graft away from the sutures if a graft was used in the original placement of the catheter.
5. The provider turns off the balloon console and withdraws the catheter from the patient, ensuring the removal of any clots.
6. If necessary, the provider repairs the opening in the femoral artery, using a graft.
7. The provider restores blood flow to the leg and may apply a dressing.
8. The patient may be placed on bed rest, and the provider observes the patient to ensure there is no reoccurrence of bleeding or development of a hematoma at the insertion site.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 33971 is performed on patients who have previously had an intra-aortic balloon assist device inserted and now require its removal. The procedure may also involve the repair of the femoral artery, with or without the use of a graft. It is important to note that the placement of the intra-aortic balloon catheter is a separate procedure and should not be reported with CPT 33971.

5. When to use CPT code 33971

CPT code 33971 should be used when the provider performs the removal of an intra-aortic balloon assist device, including the repair of the femoral artery, with or without a graft. It is important to ensure that the patient has stabilized and that the removal of the balloon is necessary before reporting this code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 33971, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the removal of the intra-aortic balloon assist device
• Details of the repair performed on the femoral artery, including the use of a graft if applicable
• Date and time of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Post-procedure instructions and observations
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 33971, ensure that the procedure involves the removal of an intra-aortic balloon assist device and the repair of the femoral artery, with or without a graft. It is important to note that the placement of the intra-aortic balloon catheter is a separate procedure and should not be reported with CPT 33971. Additional tips for reporting this code include:

• If the provider inserts an intra-aortic balloon assist device percutaneously, use CPT code 33967 for the insertion and CPT code 33968 for the removal.
• If the provider inserts an intra-aortic balloon assist device through the femoral artery via an open approach, use CPT code 33970.
• For insertion of an intra-aortic balloon assist device through the ascending aorta, use CPT code 33973, and for removal of the device from the ascending aorta, including repair of the aorta, with or without a graft, use CPT code 33974.

8. Historical information

CPT 33971 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. In 2017, it was added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare.

9. Examples

1. A patient who previously had an intra-aortic balloon assist device inserted requires its removal. The provider performs the removal procedure and repairs the femoral artery without the use of a graft.
2. A patient with an intra-aortic balloon assist device experiences complications, necessitating its removal. The provider performs the removal procedure and repairs the femoral artery using a graft.
3. A patient’s condition stabilizes, and the provider determines that the removal of the intra-aortic balloon assist device is necessary. The provider performs the removal procedure and repairs the femoral artery without the use of a graft.
4. A patient who previously had an intra-aortic balloon assist device inserted requires its removal. The provider performs the removal procedure and repairs the femoral artery using a graft.
5. A patient’s intra-aortic balloon assist device needs to be removed due to complications. The provider performs the removal procedure and repairs the femoral artery without the use of a graft.