2025 CPT code 33285
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System Surgery Feed
Insertion of a subcutaneous cardiac rhythm monitor, including programming.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances. For example, modifier 51 might be used if multiple procedures are performed during the same session. Consult the CPT manual and payer-specific guidelines for appropriate modifier use.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of symptoms suggestive of cardiac arrhythmias or other cardiac events requiring long-term monitoring that cannot be adequately assessed by other means.Documentation should support the clinical indication for the procedure.
The physician or qualified healthcare professional is responsible for prepping the patient, administering local anesthesia, creating the subcutaneous pocket, implanting the device, testing its functionality, suturing the incision, programming the device, and educating the patient on its use.
- Surgery
- Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System > Surgical Procedures on the Heart and Pericardium
In simple words: The doctor places a small device under the skin of the chest to monitor the heart's rhythm. The device is programmed, and the patient is shown how to use it.
This CPT code, 33285, encompasses the insertion of a subcutaneous cardiac rhythm monitor (also known as a cardiac event recorder or implantable/insertable loop recorder - ILR) into a subcutaneous pocket, typically in the left upper chest.The procedure involves a small parasternal incision, creation of the pocket, placement of the monitor, incision closure, device testing to verify functionality, and finally, programming the device and patient education on its use.Local anesthesia is typically administered.
Example 1: A patient presents with recurrent syncope of unknown etiology.The physician determines that a subcutaneous cardiac rhythm monitor is necessary to identify the cause. The physician performs the implantation, testing, and programming of the device (33285)., A patient with a history of atrial fibrillation has an existing subcutaneous cardiac rhythm monitor that needs to be replaced.The old device is removed, and a new one is implanted through the same incision. Only code 33285 is reported., A patient experiences repeated episodes of palpitations and dizziness. After a thorough evaluation, a subcutaneous cardiac rhythm monitor is implanted (33285) to monitor for arrhythmias.Remote monitoring services might also be billed separately depending on the services provided.
Pre-operative assessment including patient history and physical examination, operative report detailing the incision site, device placement, testing results, and programming parameters. Post-operative instructions to the patient and follow-up plan.
** This code includes the programming of the device.Separate codes may be used for remote monitoring or other related services.Always refer to the most current CPT manual and payer guidelines for accurate coding and reimbursement.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: No TC modifier is applicable for this code.
- Specialties:Cardiology, Electrophysiology
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital (Inpatient or Outpatient), Ambulatory Surgical Center