2025 CPT code 33234
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgical Procedures - Cardiovascular System Procedures Surgery Feed
Removal of a single atrial or ventricular transvenous pacemaker electrode lead from a single-lead system.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure.Modifier -22 (Increased procedural services) may be added if the removal was exceptionally complex; modifier -52 (Reduced services) or -53 (Discontinued procedure) may be used if the procedure was incomplete due to extenuating circumstances.
Lead removal is medically necessary when there is lead fracture, infection, or malfunction impacting the function of the pacemaker or necessitating lead replacement during a system upgrade.
The physician performs the surgical removal of the lead.This includes opening the pacemaker pocket, disconnecting and extracting the lead, and closing the incision.Hemostasis and wound care are also included.
In simple words: This procedure involves removing a small wire (lead) from a pacemaker that's implanted under the skin. The doctor opens the area where the pacemaker is placed, carefully takes out the wire, and closes the area.
This CPT code describes the removal of a single atrial or ventricular electrode lead from a single-lead transvenous pacemaker system.The procedure involves opening the pacemaker pocket, disconnecting the lead from the pulse generator, carefully dissecting the lead from surrounding tissue to the venous entry point, extracting the lead, and closing the pocket.Hemostasis (control of bleeding) is achieved as needed via venous suture. This code excludes the removal of the pulse generator itself.
Example 1: A patient experiences lead fracture and requires removal of the fractured lead., A patient presents with a lead-related infection, requiring lead removal as part of infection management., A patient undergoes pacemaker system upgrade, requiring removal of an existing lead.
** This code is applicable to single-lead systems only.For dual-lead systems, 33235 is the appropriate code.Always ensure that the documentation clearly supports the medical necessity for the lead removal.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.
- Specialties:Cardiology, Cardiac Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center