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Prolonged extracorporeal circulation for cardiopulmonary insufficiency, represented by CPT® Code 33961, refers to the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as a therapeutic intervention for patients experiencing reversible cardiac and/or respiratory failure. ECMO is a sophisticated medical procedure that employs a cardiopulmonary bypass circuit to temporarily take over the function of the heart and lungs, thereby providing critical support to patients whose conditions have not improved with standard medical therapies. This procedure is applicable to a diverse patient population, including neonates, children, and adults, who are facing severe cardiac and/or respiratory challenges. During the ECMO process, the physician plays a vital role in continuously monitoring the patient's condition and making necessary adjustments to the ECMO settings. This is done to ensure optimal support for both cardiac and respiratory functions, which is assessed through various tests, including blood gas analyses and clinical observations. It is important to note that CPT® Code 33961 is specifically designated for billing purposes for each subsequent day of ECMO maintenance following the initial day, which is coded using CPT® Code 33960.
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The indications for prolonged extracorporeal circulation for cardiopulmonary insufficiency, as represented by CPT® Code 33961, include the following conditions where ECMO may be utilized:
The procedure for prolonged extracorporeal circulation for cardiopulmonary insufficiency involves several critical steps, which are detailed as follows:
Post-procedure care following prolonged extracorporeal circulation for cardiopulmonary insufficiency involves careful monitoring of the patient as they transition off ECMO support. This includes assessing the patient's cardiac and respiratory function to determine readiness for weaning from ECMO. Additionally, healthcare providers must watch for potential complications associated with ECMO, such as bleeding, infection, or thrombosis. The recovery process may vary depending on the underlying condition that necessitated ECMO, and ongoing support and rehabilitation may be required to ensure optimal recovery.
| Short Descr | EXTERNAL CIRCULATION ASSIST | Medium Descr | PROLONGED EXTRACORPOREAL CIRCULATION EA ADDL DAY | Long Descr | Prolonged extracorporeal circulation for cardiopulmonary insufficiency; each subsequent day | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies 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 | Not applicable/unspecified. | CCS Clinical Classification | 50 - Extracorporeal circulation auxiliary to open heart procedures |