CPT code 33202 designates open surgical insertion of one or more electrodes on the epicardial surface and pericardium. It captures procedures where pacing or sensing leads are placed directly on the heart via an open incision, typically during thoracic or cardiac surgical procedures. This code is significant nationally because it documents invasive, operative cardiac device work that has implications for hospital billing, resource use, and surgical quality measurement.

Key national payers commonly involved in reimbursement for these services include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find benchmark context for how this operative code is classified, guidance on typical sites of service and clinical circumstances that prompt epicardial lead placement, and a concise overview of associated billing considerations.

The publication outlines clinical context for epicardial electrode insertion, clarifies where the procedure is typically performed, and summarizes the kinds of analyses and policy topics relevant to this code — including utilization benchmarks, coding specificity, and payer coverage patterns where available. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.