How To Use CPT Code 33984

CPT 33984 describes the removal of peripheral cannula(e) for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or extracorporeal life support (ECLS) provided by a physician. 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 33984?

CPT 33984 can be used to describe the removal of peripheral cannula(e) for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or extracorporeal life support (ECLS) provided by a physician. This code is used when a physician performs an open surgical procedure to remove the peripheral cannula(e) used for extracorporeal circulation in a child who is six years or older.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33984 is: ‘Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)/extracorporeal life support (ECLS) provided by physician; removal of peripheral (arterial and/or venous) cannula(e), open, 6 years and older.’

3. Procedure

1. The physician prepares and anesthetizes the patient for the procedure.
2. The physician accesses the peripheral arterial or venous cannula using an open surgical approach.
3. The physician cleans the area around the artery or vein where the cannula was placed.
4. The physician removes the cannula slowly from the open end of the vessel.
5. The physician closes the incision with sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 33984 is performed on children who are six years or older and require the removal of peripheral cannula(e) used for extracorporeal circulation. This procedure is typically performed when the patient no longer needs the extracorporeal circulation device. It is important to note that CPT 33984 should not be reported in conjunction with certain other codes, such as 34714, 34715, 34716, 34812, 34820, 34834, 35201, 35206, 35211, and 35226.

5. When to use CPT code 33984

CPT code 33984 should be used when a physician performs the removal of peripheral cannula(e) for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or extracorporeal life support (ECLS) in a child who is six years or older. It is important to ensure that the patient meets the age requirement and that the procedure involves the removal of peripheral cannula(e) used for extracorporeal circulation.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 33984, the physician must document the following information:

• Patient’s age (must be six years or older)
• Procedure performed (removal of peripheral cannula(e) for ECMO/ECLS)
• Details of the surgical approach used
• Date of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the performing physician

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 33984, ensure that the procedure is performed by a physician and involves the removal of peripheral cannula(e) for ECMO/ECLS in a child who is six years or older. It is important to note that CPT 33984 should not be reported in conjunction with certain other codes, such as 34714, 34715, 34716, 34812, 34820, 34834, 35201, 35206, 35211, and 35226. It is recommended to review the specific billing guidelines and requirements of the payer to ensure accurate reporting and reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT 33984 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2015. It was later added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare in 2017. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A physician performs the removal of peripheral cannula(e) for ECMO/ECLS in a seven-year-old child.
2. A surgeon removes the peripheral cannula(e) used for extracorporeal circulation in an eight-year-old patient.
3. A pediatric cardiologist performs the open surgical procedure to remove the peripheral cannula(e) in a nine-year-old child.
4. An interventional radiologist removes the peripheral cannula(e) for ECMO/ECLS in a ten-year-old patient.
5. A cardiovascular surgeon performs the procedure to remove the peripheral cannula(e) in an eleven-year-old child.
6. A pediatric cardiac surgeon removes the peripheral cannula(e) used for extracorporeal circulation in a twelve-year-old patient.
7. An attending physician performs the open surgical procedure to remove the peripheral cannula(e) in a thirteen-year-old child.
8. A pediatric intensivist removes the peripheral cannula(e) for ECMO/ECLS in a fourteen-year-old patient.
9. A cardiothoracic surgeon performs the procedure to remove the peripheral cannula(e) in a fifteen-year-old child.
10. An anesthesiologist removes the peripheral cannula(e) used for extracorporeal circulation in a sixteen-year-old patient.