2025 CPT code 33981

Replacement of extracorporeal ventricular assist device, single or biventricular, pump(s), single or each pump.

Code 33981 is specific for replacement of extracorporeal VAD pumps.It does not include the insertion or removal of the entire VAD system.Use separate codes for removal of the old VAD and insertion of a new one when the entire system is replaced.

Medical necessity is established by the patient's underlying heart condition necessitating VAD support and the malfunction or failure of the existing pump, requiring replacement to maintain adequate circulatory support.

After prepping and anesthetizing the patient, the physician accesses the external VAD pump. The cannula is clamped, the old pump is removed, and the new pump is connected. After unclamping, the pump is primed, activated, and secured. The code covers single or biventricular pumps.

In simple words: The doctor replaces the pump for a heart-helping device that is located outside the body. This device helps pump blood for one or both sides of the heart.The procedure involves removing the old pump and installing a new one, making sure there's no air in the system, and starting the new pump.

This code describes the replacement of the pump(s) in a previously placed extracorporeal ventricular assist device (VAD), which can support either a single ventricle or both ventricles.The procedure includes disconnecting the old pump, connecting the new pump, de-airing the system, and initiating the new pump. The VAD itself remains extracorporeal (outside the body).

Example 1: A patient with a failing left ventricle, awaiting a heart transplant, has an extracorporeal VAD.The pump begins to malfunction, requiring replacement using code 33981., A patient in cardiogenic shock following a massive heart attack requires biventricular support with an extracorporeal VAD.After several weeks, one of the pumps fails and needs replacement, billed as 33981., A patient recovering from heart surgery experiences right heart failure and is placed on an extracorporeal RVAD. Due to wear and tear, the pump requires replacement and code 33981 is used.

Documentation should include the medical necessity for the VAD, the type of VAD (single or biventricular), the reason for pump replacement, the details of the procedure, and any complications encountered.

  • Revenue Code: P2F
  • Payment Status: Active
  • Specialties:Cardiothoracic Surgery, Cardiac Surgery
  • Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital
** Only Enterprise users with EHR integration can access case-specific answers. Click here to request access.