© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The CPT® Code 33982 refers to the replacement of a ventricular assist device (VAD) pump that is implantable and intracorporeal, specifically designed for a single ventricle, and performed without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. A ventricular assist device is a mechanical pump that supports heart function and blood flow in individuals with weakened hearts. The device is implanted within the body, allowing for a more natural integration with the patient's physiology. The procedure involves a surgical approach where a midline chest incision is made, extending into the upper abdomen to access the pump pocket. This replacement procedure is typically necessary when the existing pump experiences mechanical failure, necessitating its removal and substitution with a new pump. The process is intricate, requiring careful dissection and connection of various conduits and lines to ensure proper functionality of the new device. The absence of cardiopulmonary bypass during this procedure indicates that the heart is not temporarily stopped, allowing for a more straightforward surgical approach and potentially reducing recovery time for the patient.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The replacement of a ventricular assist device pump using CPT® Code 33982 is indicated for patients who require a new pump due to mechanical failure of the existing device. This procedure is typically performed in individuals with a single ventricle heart condition who are dependent on the VAD for adequate blood circulation and cardiac support. The need for replacement may arise from various complications associated with the device, such as pump malfunction or wear over time.
The procedure for replacing the ventricular assist device pump involves several critical steps to ensure successful implantation and functionality of the new device.
Post-procedure care following the replacement of a ventricular assist device pump includes monitoring the patient for any signs of complications, such as bleeding or infection at the incision sites. Patients are typically observed in a recovery area where vital signs are closely monitored. The function of the new pump is assessed regularly to ensure it is operating effectively. Patients may require additional imaging or tests to confirm the proper placement and function of the device. Pain management and rehabilitation may also be part of the recovery process, as patients adjust to the new pump and its integration into their cardiovascular system. Follow-up appointments are essential to evaluate the long-term success of the procedure and the overall health of the patient.
| Short Descr | REPLACE VAD INTRA W/O BP | Medium Descr | PLCMT VAD PMP IMPLTBL ICORP 1 VENTR W/O BYPASS | Long Descr | Replacement of ventricular assist device pump(s); implantable intracorporeal, single ventricle, without cardiopulmonary bypass | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | 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) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | 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.
| 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) |
| 58 | Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78. | 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). | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| 2010-01-01 | Added | - |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.