2025 CPT code 33976
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgical Procedures - Cardiovascular System Surgery Feed
Insertion of a ventricular assist device; extracorporeal, biventricular.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure.For example, modifier 59 might be used to indicate a distinct procedural service if additional procedures are performed on the same day.
Medical necessity for a 33976 procedure is established when a patient presents with severe biventricular heart failure refractory to medical management, awaiting heart transplantation, or when long-term circulatory support is required to improve quality of life.Documentation should clearly justify the need for VAD support and the selected type of device.
The cardiac surgeon is responsible for the entire procedure, including patient preparation, incision, cardiopulmonary bypass (if necessary), device implantation, graft placement, and closure. Post-operative care and monitoring are also part of the clinical responsibility, although these would be billed separately.
In simple words: This code describes a surgery where a machine is put in place to help the heart pump blood. This machine is outside the body and helps both sides of the heart. The surgery involves an incision in the chest, and a machine helps keep blood flowing during the procedure.
This CPT code signifies the surgical implantation of an extracorporeal biventricular ventricular assist device (VAD).The procedure involves creating a pocket and tunnel, initiating cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), attaching inflow and outflow grafts to the ventricles and aorta respectively, and placing the device in the prepared pocket. The device supports both ventricles of the heart.The procedure requires a median sternotomy and may utilize femoral vessel access for CPB.
Example 1: A 65-year-old male with severe biventricular heart failure is scheduled for a 33976 procedure.He is awaiting a heart transplant, and the VAD will provide short-term circulatory support until a suitable donor heart becomes available., A 70-year-old female with end-stage cardiomyopathy is deemed ineligible for a heart transplant.A 33976 procedure is performed to provide long-term circulatory support and improve her quality of life., A 58-year-old male experiences cardiogenic shock following a myocardial infarction.Insertion of an extracorporeal biventricular VAD (33976) is performed as a life-saving measure to stabilize his hemodynamics.
* Preoperative evaluation including cardiac catheterization, echocardiogram, and other relevant tests.* Operative report detailing the procedure, including type of VAD implanted, cannula placement, and any complications.* Postoperative recovery notes documenting the patient's hemodynamic status, and any necessary interventions.* Anesthesia record.* Pathology reports (if applicable).
** This code is specific to extracorporeal biventricular VAD insertion.Intracorporeal or single ventricle VAD placements would utilize different CPT codes.Detailed documentation is crucial for accurate coding and reimbursement.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: A Technical Component (TC) modifier is typically not applicable to this code, as it represents a complete surgical procedure.
- Specialties:Cardiothoracic Surgery, Cardiac Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center