2025 CPT code 33881
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Endovascular Repair Procedures of the Descending Thoracic Aorta Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System Feed
Endovascular repair of the descending thoracic aorta, excluding coverage of the left subclavian artery origin; initial endoprosthesis plus extensions if needed.
Modifiers may apply in specific situations, such as when multiple procedures are performed (modifier 51), or when a portion of the procedure is performed (modifier 52).Consult the CPT codebook and your payer's specific guidelines for applicable modifiers.
Medical necessity is established based on the presence of a significant descending thoracic aortic pathology (e.g., aneurysm, dissection) posing a substantial risk of rupture or other life-threatening complications.The appropriateness of endovascular repair should be supported by clinical findings and imaging data.
The physician is responsible for patient preparation, anesthesia (if applicable), arteriogram for roadmapping, imaging, contrast injections to confirm anatomy and component placement, preparation and loading of the endovascular component, fluoroscopic guidance for component placement and deployment, balloon inflation to seat the component(s), catheter and wire removal, and site closure.The physician may also perform other interventional procedures as needed.
- Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System
- Cardiovascular Surgery > Aortic Procedures > Endovascular Aortic Repair
In simple words: The doctor repairs a weakened area in the main artery (aorta) in the chest using a small tube-like device placed inside the artery. This repair does not involve a specific branch of the artery (left subclavian artery). Other procedures may be billed separately if also done.
This CPT code (33881) reports the endovascular repair of the descending thoracic aorta for conditions such as aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm, dissection, penetrating ulcer, intramural hematoma, or traumatic disruption.The procedure involves deploying an endoprosthesis, with or without additional extensions, to reach the level of the celiac artery origin.Critically, this code excludes coverage of the left subclavian artery origin.The procedure encompasses all device introduction, manipulation, positioning, and deployment.Balloon angioplasty or stent deployment within the treatment zone is not separately reported.However, other interventional procedures performed concurrently (e.g., angioplasty or stenting of other arteries, embolization, intravascular ultrasound) are separately reportable.
Example 1: A 65-year-old male presents with a descending thoracic aortic aneurysm. The physician performs an endovascular repair using code 33881, successfully deploying an endoprosthesis to the celiac artery origin without involving the left subclavian artery., A 72-year-old female with a history of hypertension and smoking presents with a thoracic aortic dissection. The physician performs an endovascular repair (33881) and also performs a concurrent transluminal angioplasty of the left renal artery, which is coded separately., A 58-year-old male is admitted after a motor vehicle accident with a traumatic rupture of the descending thoracic aorta.The surgeon performs an endovascular repair (33881), along with an open surgical repair of a lacerated iliac artery (coded separately).
Detailed history and physical examination, imaging studies (CT angiogram or MRI), operative report describing the procedure, including device details, location and extent of repair, and any complications, and pathology report if applicable.
** Always refer to the most up-to-date CPT codebook and payer guidelines before billing.Thorough documentation is essential for accurate coding and reimbursement.Understanding the nuances of 33880 vs. 33881 is critical for accurate coding based on the specific anatomy involved and the extent of the endovascular repair.
- Revenue Code: P2B (Major Procedure, Cardiovascular - Aneurysm Repair)
- RVU: Information not available in source.RVUs vary based on geographic location, facility type, and other factors. Consult your local Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) or other payer for specific RVU data.
- Global Days: 90-day global period applies.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC (Technical Component) is not applicable to this code, as this procedure is considered a professional component.
- Fee Schedule: Data unavailable in source. Historical fee schedule data can vary significantly based on location, payer, and year.Consult your billing service or payer for details.
- Specialties:Cardiovascular Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Interventional Radiology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center