CPT code 33928 covers surgical removal of a previously implanted artificial heart and implantation of a replacement artificial heart, used as either temporary support until a donor heart is available or as permanent mechanical circulatory support for patients ineligible for transplant. This high-acuity cardiothoracic procedure has significant implications for hospital resource use, care coordination, and device management nationally.

Key payers considered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The publication outlines coverage and billing considerations across these payers, typical sites of service, and clinical context for use of device exchange. It also summarizes common modifier usage and highlights areas where policy updates or payer-specific requirements commonly affect claims processing.

Readers will find a concise clinical description, expected clinical setting, and payer landscape overview relevant to hospitals, cardiothoracic surgeons, and billing professionals. The content provides benchmarks and policy-focused observations to inform coding accuracy and administrative planning. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.