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The procedure described by CPT® Code 33130 involves the resection of an external cardiac tumor, which refers to the surgical removal of a neoplasm located on the external surface of the heart. These tumors can be classified as either benign or malignant and may affect various layers of the heart, including the endocardium, myocardium, and epicardium. Specifically, external cardiac tumors are defined as those that are situated beneath the parietal pericardium, which is the fibrous membrane encasing the heart, and they typically involve the epicardium or the outer surface of the heart muscle itself. The surgical approach begins with an incision in the skin of the chest, followed by a median sternotomy to gain access to the thoracic cavity. Once the thorax is opened, the surgeon inspects the area and incises the pericardium at the location of the tumor. The tumor is then exposed and resected, with the goal of completely removing the tumor while ensuring a clear margin of healthy heart tissue. If complete resection is not feasible, the surgeon will excise as much of the tumor as possible. After the tumor removal, any resulting defect in the heart is repaired, and chest tubes may be placed as necessary to facilitate drainage before the chest incision is closed. This procedure is critical for addressing cardiac tumors that may pose a risk to heart function or overall health.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The resection of an external cardiac tumor, as described by CPT® Code 33130, is indicated for patients presenting with cardiac neoplasms that may be benign or malignant. The specific indications for this procedure include:
The procedure for the resection of an external cardiac tumor involves several critical steps, which are detailed as follows:
Post-procedure care following the resection of an external cardiac tumor involves monitoring the patient for any complications, such as bleeding or infection. Patients may require pain management and will be observed for signs of cardiac function recovery. The placement of chest tubes will be monitored to ensure proper drainage, and they will be removed when no longer necessary. Follow-up imaging may be conducted to assess the surgical site and ensure that the tumor has been adequately removed. Rehabilitation and gradual return to normal activities will be discussed with the patient as part of their recovery plan.
| Short Descr | RESCJ EXTERNAL CARDIAC TUMOR | Medium Descr | RESECTION EXTERNAL CARDIAC TUMOR | Long Descr | Resection of external cardiac tumor | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 090 - Major Surgery | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required... | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Inpatient Procedures, not paid under OPPS | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P2F - Major procedure, cardiovascular-Other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 49 - Other OR heart procedures |
This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.
| 32674 | Add-on Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Thoracoscopy, surgical; with mediastinal and regional lymphadenectomy (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | 33257 | Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Illustration for Code Operative tissue ablation and reconstruction of atria, performed at the time of other cardiac procedure(s), limited (eg, modified maze procedure) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | 33258 | Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Illustration for Code Operative tissue ablation and reconstruction of atria, performed at the time of other cardiac procedure(s), extensive (eg, maze procedure), without cardiopulmonary bypass (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | 38746 | Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Thoracic lymphadenectomy by thoracotomy, mediastinal and regional lymphadenectomy (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) |
| 51 | Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | 80 | Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s). | 82 | Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s). | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician |
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| 2025-01-01 | Changed | Short Description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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