CPT code 33964 represents the open surgical repositioning of a central cannula for extracorporeal circulation in children aged six years and older, performed via sternotomy or thoracotomy with fluoroscopic guidance. This procedure is an important cardiac surgical service for pediatric patients requiring modification of cannulation for cardiopulmonary support. Nationally, accurate coding of such high-complexity surgical interventions affects claims adjudication, resource allocation in tertiary pediatric centers, and comparative procedure utilization metrics.

Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The publication provides readers with benchmark considerations, the clinical context for when this procedure is performed, and the typical site-of-service expectations for billing and reimbursement workflows. It also outlines common modifiers and data availability where provided. Data not available in the input is noted explicitly.

Readers will learn: the clinical scope and coding definition of CPT code 33964; which payers are typically involved in coverage decisions; typical sites of service and service type; and which elements of supporting data are present or missing. This briefing is intended for billing managers, clinical coders, health policy analysts, and hospital revenue cycle teams seeking a concise, national-level overview of this specific pediatric cardiac surgical code.