2025 CPT code 33286
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Introduction or Removal of Subcutaneous Cardiac Rhythm Monitor Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System Feed
Removal of a subcutaneous cardiac rhythm monitor.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure.For example, modifier 22 (increased procedural services) or 52 (reduced services) may be appropriate.
Medical necessity for the removal of a subcutaneous cardiac rhythm monitor is determined by clinical judgment, and must be documented thoroughly.The removal must be deemed necessary for the patient's health. Examples include device malfunction, patient intolerance, or completion of the monitoring period.
The physician or other qualified healthcare professional is responsible for all aspects of the procedure, from preparing the patient and administering local anesthesia to making the incision, removing the device, cleaning the site, and closing the incision.Postoperative care instructions are also the responsibility of the provider.
In simple words: The doctor removes a heart rhythm monitor from under the skin. A small cut is made, the monitor is taken out, and the area is cleaned and closed.
Removal of a subcutaneous cardiac rhythm monitor involves a small incision at the previous implant site.The device, which may have migrated, is freed from adhesions, any anchoring sutures are cut, and the device is removed. Hemostasis is achieved, the area is flushed, and the incision is closed using sutures, staples, surgical glue, or adhesive strips. The wound is dressed.
Example 1: A patient with a history of atrial fibrillation has a subcutaneous cardiac rhythm monitor implanted.After six months of monitoring, the device is no longer needed, and the physician performs a removal procedure using code 33286., A patient experiences an adverse reaction to the implanted device, prompting the removal of the subcutaneous cardiac rhythm monitor with code 33286., A patient's subcutaneous cardiac rhythm monitor malfunctions, necessitating its removal using code 33286, followed by implantation of a new device using 33285.
* Pre-operative assessment including patient history and indication for removal.* Intra-operative notes documenting incision, device location, removal technique, hemostasis, wound closure, and any complications.* Post-operative assessment.* Consent form for the procedure.* Images (if obtained).
** Always refer to the most current CPT codebook and payer guidelines for accurate coding and reimbursement information.This information is for general guidance only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical coding advice.
- RVU: This information is payer-specific and not available in the provided text. Consult the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) or other relevant payer fee schedules for current RVU values.
- Global Days: Information on global surgical days is not available in the provided sources.This would need to be determined based on payer-specific guidelines.
- Payment Status: Active (Reimbursement varies by payer and several factors)
- Modifier TC rule: A Technical Component (TC) modifier is not typically applicable to this code.
- Fee Schedule: This information varies by payer and is not available in the provided text.Check with individual payers for fee schedule details.
- Specialties:Cardiology, Cardiac Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center