2025 CPT code 33120
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System Surgery Feed
Excision of intracardiac tumor, resection with cardiopulmonary bypass.
Modifiers may apply depending on the circumstances of the procedure.For example, modifier 51 may be used for multiple procedures, and modifier 22 may be used for significantly increased procedural services.Modifiers 58, 78, 79, etc could be used depending on related procedures performed within the global period.
Surgical excision of an intracardiac tumor is medically necessary when the tumor causes symptoms (such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or embolic events) or when its size or location poses a risk of obstruction, valve dysfunction, or embolization. Documentation should support the clinical indication for surgery.Payers may have specific guidelines regarding the size and location of the tumor that warrant surgical intervention.
The surgeon's responsibilities include pre-operative assessment, obtaining informed consent, performing the sternotomy, initiating cardiopulmonary bypass, excising the tumor, repairing any damaged cardiac structures, closing the incision, and post-operative monitoring and management.
In simple words: The doctor removes a tumor from the heart using a heart-lung machine to keep blood flowing.This involves an incision on the chest to reach the heart, removing the tumor, and then closing the incision.
This CPT code, 33120, signifies the surgical excision of an intracardiac tumor.The procedure involves the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), a technique where a heart-lung machine temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs, allowing for a motionless surgical field.Access to the heart is typically gained through a median sternotomy (incision along the breastbone). The tumor is removed, and the incision is closed.The procedure may involve resection through the right atrium, across the intra-atrial septum, or via the tricuspid valve. Post-operative care ensures the restoration of normal cardiac and pulmonary function.
Example 1: A 60-year-old female presents with symptoms of shortness of breath and palpitations.Echocardiography reveals a large myxoma in the right atrium.The patient undergoes surgical excision of the myxoma using CPB via a median sternotomy. Code 33120 is used., A 45-year-old male is diagnosed with a rhabdomyoma in the left ventricle.Due to its location and size, CPB and a median sternotomy are required for complete resection. Code 33120 is reported., A 72-year-old female with a history of atrial fibrillation presents with an atrial myxoma causing significant symptoms. Surgical excision via minimally invasive approach using robotic surgery and CPB is performed. Code 33120 is used along with appropriate modifiers based on the approach used.
Preoperative echocardiogram or cardiac MRI showing the tumor’s location, size, and characteristics. Operative report detailing the approach (sternotomy), use of CPB, precise location of the tumor, and the type of resection performed. Pathology report confirming the tumor type and margins. Post-operative echocardiogram to confirm complete resection.Any relevant anesthesia records and details about the length of the procedure.
** The complexity of the procedure and the size and location of the tumor will influence the level of work required. Detailed documentation is crucial for proper reimbursement.Consult with your billing specialist and coding experts to ensure accurate coding and billing practices.
- Revenue Code: P2F (MAJOR PROCEDURE, CARDIOVASCULAR - OTHER)
- RVU: The RVUs for this code vary based on geographic location, facility type (inpatient vs outpatient), and other factors. Consult the appropriate fee schedule for accurate RVU values and reimbursement rates.
- Global Days: The global surgical period for this procedure is dependent on payer and local guidelines, typically ranging from 10 to 90 days post-operation, encompassing post-operative care.Specific details must be referenced in the applicable fee schedule.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable to this code.
- Fee Schedule: Historical fee schedule data for 33120 is not provided here but can be obtained from various resources including the CMS website and private payer websites.Consult these sources for data specific to years of interest.
- Specialties:Cardiothoracic Surgery, Cardiac Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center