How To Use CPT Code 33985

CPT 33985 describes the removal of central cannula(e) by sternotomy or thoracotomy in children from birth through 5 years of age. 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 33985?

CPT 33985 can be used to describe the removal of central cannula(e) through an open sternotomy or thoracotomy approach in children from birth through 5 years of age. This code is used when a physician removes the central cannula(e) for extracorporeal circulation in these young patients.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33985 is: ‘Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)/extracorporeal life support (ECLS) provided by physician; removal of central cannula(e) by sternotomy or thoracotomy, birth through 5 years of age.’

3. Procedure

1. The physician prepares and anesthetizes the patient.
2. An incision is made over the breastbone or chest.
3. The area around the right jugular vein is cleaned.
4. The previously placed central cannula is removed from the right jugular vein and the heart’s right atrium.
5. The patient no longer requires the extracorporeal circulation device.
6. The incision is closed with sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 33985 is used for the removal of central cannula(e) through a sternotomy or thoracotomy approach in children from birth through 5 years of age. The procedure is performed by a physician and is typically done when the patient no longer requires extracorporeal circulation.

5. When to use CPT code 33985

CPT code 33985 should be used when a physician performs the removal of central cannula(e) through a sternotomy or thoracotomy approach in children from birth through 5 years of age. It is important to ensure that the patient falls within the specified age range and that the procedure is performed by a physician.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 33985, the physician must document the following information:

• Patient’s age
• Procedure performed (removal of central cannula(e) by sternotomy or thoracotomy)
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the approach used (sternotomy or thoracotomy)
• Any additional relevant information or complications
• Physician’s signature

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 33985, ensure that the procedure is performed by a physician and that the patient falls within the specified age range. It is important to follow any additional guidelines provided by the payer or coding guidelines. Do not report CPT 33985 in conjunction with CPT code 35211. It is also important to consider the location of the testing when coding these procedures.

8. Historical information

CPT 33985 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.

9. Examples

1. A physician removes the central cannula(e) through a sternotomy approach in a 3-year-old child who no longer requires extracorporeal circulation.
2. A surgeon performs the removal of central cannula(e) through a thoracotomy approach in a 2-year-old patient who has successfully completed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
3. A pediatric cardiologist removes the central cannula(e) through a sternotomy approach in a newborn baby who has recovered from a heart condition.
4. Anesthesiologist removes the central cannula(e) through a thoracotomy approach in a 4-year-old child who has completed extracorporeal life support.
5. A cardiothoracic surgeon performs the removal of central cannula(e) through a sternotomy approach in a 5-year-old patient who no longer requires extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
6. A pediatric cardiac surgeon removes the central cannula(e) through a thoracotomy approach in a 1-year-old child who has successfully completed extracorporeal life support.
7. A physician removes the central cannula(e) through a sternotomy approach in a 3-year-old patient who has recovered from a heart condition.
8. A surgeon performs the removal of central cannula(e) through a thoracotomy approach in a 2-year-old child who no longer requires extracorporeal circulation.
9. A pediatric cardiologist removes the central cannula(e) through a sternotomy approach in a newborn baby who has completed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
10. Anesthesiologist removes the central cannula(e) through a thoracotomy approach in a 4-year-old patient who has recovered from a heart condition.