CPT code 33286 denotes the surgical removal of a cardiac rhythm monitor from a subcutaneous tissue pocket. This code captures a discrete device explantation service that intersects cardiology, electrophysiology, and outpatient surgical care. Nationally, accurate coding of explantation procedures affects device registries, postoperative care workflows, and reimbursement for facilities and physician services.

Key payers covered include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context for device removal, the typical sites of service where 33286 is performed, and the payer mix most commonly responsible for coverage decisions. The publication outlines coding benchmarks, common billing modifiers encountered with explantation procedures, and policy considerations that influence claims adjudication and authorization.

This summary equips clinicians, hospital billing teams, and policy analysts with the essential facts about CPT code 33286, clarifies where the procedure typically occurs, and highlights the payer landscape relevant to national billing and policy discussions. Data not available in the input for detailed benchmarks, associated taxonomies, and ICD-10 mappings.