Summary & Overview
CPT 33608: Ventricle-to-Pulmonary Artery Conduit or Graft Repair
CPT code 33608 denotes surgical reconstruction that connects a ventricle to the pulmonary artery using grafts or conduits, excluding procedures for pulmonary artery narrowing or ventricular septal defects. This procedure is clinically significant for patients requiring reestablishment of right ventricular outflow when native pathways are absent or unsuitable. Nationally, 33608 captures a subset of complex congenital and reconstructive cardiac surgeries performed primarily in inpatient settings and specialized cardiac centers.
Key payers in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of clinical context for the procedure, how payers commonly categorize and reimburse such complex cardiac surgeries, and what to expect in terms of service setting. The publication summarizes benchmarks and common billing practices for 33608, highlights policy and coverage considerations relevant to major payers, and outlines typical clinical indications and procedural scope. Data not available in the input will be noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 33608 describes surgical repair of congenital or acquired heart defects in which the provider establishes a connection from a ventricle to the pulmonary artery using grafts, conduits, or other surgical techniques. The procedure specifically excludes repairs related to pulmonary artery narrowing or ventricular septal defects.
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Service type: Surgical cardiac procedure involving ventricle-to-pulmonary artery conduit or graft reconstruction
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Typical site of service: Inpatient hospital or specialized cardiac surgical center
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is a neonate, infant, or child presenting with a congenital cardiac lesion requiring surgical establishment of right ventricular to pulmonary artery continuity using a conduit or tube graft. Common indications include complex congenital heart defects such as pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum, truncus arteriosus repair requiring conduit placement, or certain forms of tetralogy of Fallot where a conduit connects the right ventricle to the pulmonary arteries. The clinical workflow includes preoperative evaluation (echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, cross-sectional imaging), multidisciplinary surgical planning, intraoperative cardiopulmonary bypass with conduit placement from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery (CPT 33608), postoperative intensive care monitoring with mechanical ventilation and inotropic support as needed, and staged outpatient follow-up for conduit surveillance and potential future conduit revision or replacement.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
62 | Two surgeons | When two surgeons work together as primary surgeons for a complex congenital repair requiring shared operative responsibility. |
51 |