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The CPT® Code 33983 refers to the replacement of a ventricular assist device (VAD) pump that is implantable and intracorporeal, specifically designed for a single ventricle, and performed with 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 term "intracorporeal" indicates that the device is implanted within the body, as opposed to being external. This procedure is typically necessary when the existing pump has failed mechanically, necessitating its replacement to ensure continued support for the patient's circulatory system. The process involves a surgical approach that includes making a midline incision in the chest, which may be extended into the upper abdomen to access the pump pocket. The use of cardiopulmonary bypass during the procedure allows for the temporary support of circulation while the heart is not functioning normally, ensuring that blood flow is maintained throughout the body. This complex procedure requires careful inspection and management of the heart and associated components, including the drive line and conduits, to ensure proper placement and function of the new pump. The overall goal is to restore effective heart function and improve the patient's quality of life.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The replacement of a ventricular assist device pump using CPT® Code 33983 is indicated for patients who require ongoing mechanical support for their heart due to severe heart failure or other cardiac conditions. The specific indications for this procedure include:
The procedure for replacing a ventricular assist device pump with CPT® Code 33983 involves several critical steps, which are detailed as follows:
After the replacement of the ventricular assist device pump, patients typically require close monitoring in a postoperative setting. Expected recovery includes observation for any signs of complications, such as infection or bleeding, at the incision sites. Patients may also need to undergo regular evaluations of the new pump's function to ensure it is operating effectively. Follow-up care may involve adjustments to medications, monitoring of hemodynamic status, and rehabilitation to support recovery. The healthcare team will provide specific instructions regarding activity levels, wound care, and any necessary follow-up appointments to ensure optimal recovery and management of the patient's condition.
| Short Descr | REPLACE VAD INTRA W/BP | Medium Descr | RPLCMT VAD PMP IMPLTBL ICORP 1 VNTR W/BYPASS | Long Descr | Replacement of ventricular assist device pump(s); implantable intracorporeal, single ventricle, with 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) | 33259 | 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), with cardiopulmonary bypass (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | 34714 | Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Open femoral artery exposure with creation of conduit for delivery of endovascular prosthesis or for establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass, by groin incision, unilateral (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | 34716 | Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Open axillary/subclavian artery exposure with creation of conduit for delivery of endovascular prosthesis or for establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass, by infraclavicular or supraclavicular incision, unilateral (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | 34833 | Addon Code Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C CPT Assistant Article Open iliac artery exposure with creation of conduit for delivery of endovascular prosthesis or for establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass, by abdominal or retroperitoneal incision, unilateral (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). | 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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| 2022-01-01 | Changed | AMA guideline removed. |
| 2017-01-01 | Changed | Guideline added. |
| 2010-01-01 | Added | - |
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