CPT 33025: Pericardial Window (Pericardiotomy)
CPT code 33025 identifies a surgical pericardial opening performed to drain pericardial fluid, commonly used to treat cardiac tamponade and other causes of clinically significant pericardial effusion. Nationally, this code represents an acute, often urgent surgical intervention with implications for hospital resource use, operative reporting, and insurer coverage policies.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the clinical purpose of the code, typical sites of service (inpatient hospital/operating room), and the operational context for billing and claims submission. The publication also summarizes benchmarking and policy-relevant considerations that affect reimbursement and utilization reporting for acute cardiac surgical procedures.
This summary equips clinicians, coders, and payers with the clinical context for CPT code 33025, noting where to expect this service to appear on the claim and what stakeholders typically consider when evaluating coverage and payment for pericardial drainage procedures. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
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Billing Code Overview
CPT code 33025 describes a surgical procedure in which the provider creates an opening in the pericardium to facilitate drainage of pericardial fluids. This service is a pericardial window or pericardiotomy performed to relieve cardiac tamponade or to enable ongoing drainage of fluid from the pericardial space.
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Service type: Surgical procedure (pericardial drainage)
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Typical site of service: Operative setting such as an inpatient hospital or operating room, or other procedural suite where surgical drainage of the pericardium is performed.