2025 CPT code 33212
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System - Pacemaker or Implantable Defibrillator Procedures Surgery Feed
Insertion of a pacemaker pulse generator only, with an existing single lead.
Modifiers may be applicable to this code. Common modifiers include 22 (Increased Procedural Services), 51 (Multiple Procedures), 59 (Distinct Procedural Service), 76 (Repeat Procedure by Same Physician), and 77 (Repeat Procedure by Another Physician).
Medical necessity must be established by demonstrating the clinical need for the pulse generator replacement, such as battery depletion, generator malfunction, or the need for upgraded technology to manage the patient's condition effectively. Supporting documentation, like electrocardiograms (ECGs) or Holter monitor recordings, should be provided.
The physician is responsible for preparing the patient, making the incision, creating the pocket (if necessary), connecting the generator to the lead, ensuring device functionality, and closing the incision.
In simple words: The doctor replaces the battery part of a pacemaker, keeping the existing wire that connects it to the heart.This procedure is done when the battery is low but the wire is working fine. The doctor makes a small cut near the pacemaker, swaps out the old battery for a new one, makes sure everything is connected and working, and then closes the cut.
This code describes a procedure where a new pacemaker pulse generator is inserted into a pre-existing subcutaneous pocket, connecting to an existing single lead. It is used when the pulse generator needs replacement but the lead is still functional. The procedure involves making an incision to access the pocket, disconnecting the old generator, connecting the new generator to the lead, testing the lead's function, and closing the incision.
Example 1: A patient with an existing single-lead pacemaker presents with a depleted pulse generator battery. The physician replaces the generator, leaving the existing lead in place., A patient's pacemaker pulse generator malfunctions. The physician replaces the generator with a new one, utilizing the existing single lead., A patient requires an upgrade to a newer model pulse generator.The physician removes the old generator and inserts the new one, connecting it to the existing single lead.
Documentation should include the type of pacemaker system, the reason for the generator replacement, details of the procedure, including any complications, confirmation of lead function, and programming of the new device.
** This code represents the insertion of the pulse generator only. If any other procedures, such as lead insertion, removal, or repositioning, are performed during the same session, they should be reported separately with the appropriate codes.This procedure has a 90-day global period.
- Revenue Code: P2E - MAJOR PROCEDURE, CARDIOVASCULAR - PACEMAKER INSERTION
- Global Days: 90 days
- Payment Status: Active
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center