How To Use CPT Code 34833

CPT 34833 describes the procedure of open iliac artery exposure with the creation of a conduit for the delivery of an endovascular prosthesis or for the establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 34833?

CPT 34833 is a code used to describe a specific procedure performed by a healthcare provider. It involves making an incision in the abdomen or retroperitoneal area to access the iliac artery and create a conduit for the delivery of an endovascular prosthesis or for the establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass. This code is used in conjunction with the primary procedure code and cannot be billed alone.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 34833 is: ‘Open iliac artery exposure with the creation of a conduit for the delivery of endovascular prosthesis or for the establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass, by abdominal or retroperitoneal incision, unilateral (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’ This code should be reported in conjunction with the primary procedure code.

3. Procedure

1. During the procedure, the healthcare provider makes an incision in the abdomen or retroperitoneal area to access the iliac artery.
2. The provider then creates a conduit, which is a large diameter tube typically made of graft material, to be used for the delivery of an endovascular prosthesis or for the establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass.
3. If the primary procedure involves the placement of an endovascular prosthesis, the provider attaches the conduit to the opening made in the iliac artery.
4. If the primary procedure involves the establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass, the provider places the conduit in a suitable position for the bypass graft.
5. After completing the primary procedure, the provider either removes the conduit or repairs the site with sutures if it was cut near the base.
6. The provider then closes the incision site with sutures in layers to achieve hemostasis.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 34833 is performed on patients who require open iliac artery exposure with the creation of a conduit for the delivery of an endovascular prosthesis or for the establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass. This procedure is typically performed by a qualified healthcare provider in cases where it is necessary for the treatment of the patient’s condition. It is important to note that this code should be reported in conjunction with the primary procedure code.

5. When to use CPT code 34833

CPT code 34833 should be used when the healthcare provider performs the open iliac artery exposure procedure and creates a conduit for the delivery of an endovascular prosthesis or for the establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass. This code should only be reported in conjunction with the primary procedure code and cannot be billed alone.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 34833, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Details of the primary procedure performed
• Description of the open iliac artery exposure procedure and creation of the conduit
• Date of the procedure
• Location of the incision (abdominal or retroperitoneal)
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 34833, it is important to ensure that the procedure is performed in conjunction with the primary procedure. This code should not be reported alone. Additionally, modifier 50 should not be used with CPT code 34833 for bilateral procedures. It is important to follow the specific billing guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT code 34833 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2003. There have been several historical changes and updates to the code since its addition, including changes to the official description and the addition of the code to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs open iliac artery exposure with the creation of a conduit for the delivery of an endovascular prosthesis during a primary procedure for the treatment of an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
2. During a surgical procedure for the treatment of peripheral arterial disease, a healthcare provider performs open iliac artery exposure with the creation of a conduit for the establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass.
3. A patient undergoes open iliac artery exposure with the creation of a conduit for the delivery of an endovascular prosthesis as part of a complex surgical procedure for the treatment of aortic dissection.
4. During a surgical procedure for the treatment of iliac artery stenosis, a healthcare provider performs open iliac artery exposure with the creation of a conduit for the establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass.