2025 CPT code 33017

Percutaneous pericardial drainage with indwelling catheter insertion, including fluoroscopy and/or ultrasound guidance, for patients 6 years and older without congenital cardiac anomaly.

Do not report imaging guidance separately, as it is included in 33017. This code should only be used when the catheter remains indwelling after the procedure.

Modifiers may be applicable in certain circumstances, such as modifier 22 for increased procedural services.

Medical necessity for 33017 is established by the presence of a clinically significant pericardial effusion or cardiac tamponade requiring drainage. The documentation should support the severity of the condition and the need for intervention.

The physician is responsible for preparing and anesthetizing the patient, selecting the appropriate puncture site, using imaging guidance to ensure accurate placement in the pericardial space, aspirating fluid for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, and inserting and securing the indwelling catheter. The physician should also monitor the patient for any complications.

IMPORTANT For patients with congenital cardiac anomaly or aged birth through 5 years, use 33018. For drainage with CT guidance, use 33019. For pericardiocentesis without catheter placement, use 33016.

In simple words: Draining fluid from around the heart using a needle and inserting a small tube for continued drainage, guided by imaging, in patients 6 years or older without heart birth defects.

This code describes a percutaneous procedure where the physician inserts an indwelling catheter into the pericardial space to drain fluid. It includes the use of fluoroscopy and/or ultrasound for guidance and is specifically for patients aged six and above who do not have a congenital cardiac anomaly.The procedure involves inserting a needle into the pericardial space, often after making a small incision. After aspirating fluid to confirm placement, a catheter is inserted through the same puncture site and left in place for continued drainage.

Example 1: A 10-year-old patient presents with pericardial effusion causing shortness of breath. Percutaneous pericardial drainage with an indwelling catheter is performed under ultrasound guidance (33017)., A 70-year-old patient with a history of heart failure develops cardiac tamponade. Percutaneous pericardial drainage with catheter placement is performed using fluoroscopic guidance (33017)., A 20-year-old patient post-pericardiotomy experiences reaccumulation of pericardial fluid. Percutaneous drainage with indwelling catheter placement is performed under fluoroscopy (33017).

Documentation should include the indication for the procedure (e.g., pericardial effusion, cardiac tamponade), the method of imaging guidance used (fluoroscopy and/or ultrasound), the amount and character of fluid aspirated, confirmation of indwelling catheter placement, and any complications encountered.

  • Payment Status: Active
  • Specialties:Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery
  • Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center
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