2025 CPT code 33971

Removal of intra-aortic balloon pump, including femoral artery repair, with or without graft.

Code 33971 should only be reported when the balloon pump is removed from the aorta and repair of the femoral artery is performed.Separate codes are used for initial placement and percutaneous approaches.

Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure.For example, modifier 58 may be used if the removal is performed during the postoperative period of another procedure.

The removal of the intra-aortic balloon pump is medically necessary when the device is no longer providing benefit or when complications arise.Documentation must support the need for removal and the chosen approach.

The physician's responsibilities include weaning the patient from the device, removing the balloon pump, repairing the femoral artery (potentially using a graft), restoring blood flow, and post-procedure monitoring for complications like bleeding or hematoma formation.

IMPORTANT 33967 (Percutaneous insertion of intra-aortic balloon pump), 33968 (Removal of percutaneous intra-aortic balloon pump), 33970 (Open insertion via femoral artery), 33973 (Insertion via ascending aorta), 33974 (Removal from ascending aorta with repair).

In simple words: The doctor removes a balloon pump from an artery in the leg after it's no longer needed. They fix the artery and may use a patch if necessary.

This CPT code encompasses the removal of a previously inserted intra-aortic balloon pump from the aorta.The procedure includes repair of the femoral artery access site, which may involve the use of a graft to restore vascular integrity.The removal is typically performed after the patient's hemodynamic status stabilizes.The placement of the intra-aortic balloon pump is a separately billable procedure.

Example 1: A patient with severe cardiogenic shock following myocardial infarction undergoes placement of an intra-aortic balloon pump via the femoral artery. After stabilization, the device is removed using code 33971., A patient experiences complications from an intra-aortic balloon pump, such as leg ischemia. The device is removed, and the femoral artery is repaired with a graft, utilizing code 33971., Following successful cardiac surgery, a patient's intra-aortic balloon pump is no longer needed and is removed using 33971.Repair of the femoral artery was required due to a small hematoma.

* Preoperative assessment including patient's hemodynamic status.* Operative report detailing the removal technique, repair of the femoral artery, and use of any grafts.* Postoperative assessment and monitoring for complications.* Imaging studies (if any) to evaluate the femoral artery.

** This code is typically used in the context of cardiovascular interventions in hospitalized patients.The use of a graft is dependent on the extent of damage to the femoral artery.

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