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2025 CPT code 33031

Subtotal or complete pericardiectomy performed with cardiopulmonary bypass.

Accurate coding requires clear documentation of the procedure. The use of cardiopulmonary bypass is essential for selecting 33031. If CPB was not used, the appropriate code would be 33030.

Modifiers may be applicable. Refer to iFrameAI for specific modifier usage guidelines.

Medical necessity must be established by documenting the clinical condition necessitating the pericardiectomy, such as constrictive pericarditis or other conditions where the pericardium is impairing heart function.The documentation should support the need for surgical intervention and the use of cardiopulmonary bypass.

The surgeon performs the procedure after the patient is prepped and anesthetized.An incision is made over the sternum, which is then divided to access the chest cavity.The pericardium is then partially or completely excised. A cardiopulmonary bypass machine is used during the procedure.Post-operatively, natural blood circulation is restored, the sternum is wired for healing, and the incision is closed.

IMPORTANT:For pericardiectomy without cardiopulmonary bypass, use 33030.

In simple words: This procedure removes part or all of the sac around the heart. A heart-lung machine is used to keep blood and oxygen flowing during the surgery.

This procedure involves the surgical removal of a part or all of the pericardium (the sac surrounding the heart) while the patient is on cardiopulmonary bypass.Cardiopulmonary bypass is a technique that temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs, maintaining blood circulation and oxygenation during the surgery. This allows the surgeon to operate on a still heart.

Example 1: A patient with constrictive pericarditis, where the pericardium has become thickened and scarred, restricting the heart's movement, requires a pericardiectomy with cardiopulmonary bypass., A patient with a calcified pericardium causing impaired heart function undergoes a complete pericardiectomy with the aid of cardiopulmonary bypass., A patient requires partial pericardiectomy due to a tumor invading the pericardium, and cardiopulmonary bypass is used to maintain circulation during the delicate procedure.

Documentation should include the operative report detailing the extent of pericardiectomy (partial or complete), confirmation of cardiopulmonary bypass use, pre-operative diagnosis (e.g., constrictive pericarditis, calcified pericardium), and any intraoperative findings or complications.

** Always ensure documentation clearly supports the medical necessity of the procedure and the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. For detailed and up-to-date information on coding, NCCI edits, RVUs, and payment policies, please refer to iFrameAI.

** Only Enterprise users with EHR integration can access case-specific answers. Click here to request access.

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