Summary & Overview
CPT 33968: Percutaneous Intra-Aortic Balloon Removal
Headline: CPT code 33968: Percutaneous intra-aortic balloon removal procedure
Lead: CPT code 33968 designates the percutaneous removal of a previously inserted intra-aortic balloon once the patient has stabilized. This procedure is distinct from placement of the device and is commonly performed in acute care settings for patients recovering from cardiogenic shock or perioperative circulatory support.
CPT code 33968 matters nationally because intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) management is integral to advanced cardiac care pathways, with removal representing a discrete, billable procedure that follows stabilization. Proper coding ensures procedural clarity and supports accurate reporting of resource utilization for high-acuity cardiovascular care.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise explanation of what the code represents, the clinical context and typical sites of service, and what to expect in payer coverage considerations. The publication provides benchmarks and policy context where available, clarifies that placement is billed separately, and outlines common modifier usage and documentation touchpoints — where relevant — to aid in administrative and clinical alignment.
This national overview is intended for coding professionals, hospital administrators, and clinicians involved in invasive cardiac support therapies who require clear guidance on the procedural definition and billing implications of CPT code 33968.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 33968 describes the removal of a previously percutaneously inserted intra-aortic balloon from the aorta once the patient stabilizes. The description specifies that the placement of the intra-aortic balloon catheter is a separate procedure.
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Service type: Removal of percutaneously inserted intra-aortic balloon catheter
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Typical site of service: Acute hospital setting, commonly performed in the cardiac catheterization laboratory, operating room, or intensive care unit depending on patient stability and clinical workflow
Data not available in the input for associated taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnoses, and related codes.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is a critically ill adult admitted to an intensive care unit or cardiac catheterization lab following cardiogenic shock, acute myocardial infarction with hemodynamic compromise, or high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention. An intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) was previously placed percutaneously via the femoral or axillary artery for temporary mechanical circulatory support. Once the patient demonstrates adequate hemodynamic recovery — stable blood pressure on minimal vasopressor support, improved cardiac output, and resolution of acute ischemia — the team plans removal of the IABP. The procedure is performed at the bedside in the ICU or in the procedure room under sterile conditions. The provider confirms coagulation parameters, inspects the insertion site for infection or bleeding, prepares necessary monitoring and vascular compression tools, and then removes the balloon catheter percutaneously. Hemostasis is obtained by manual compression or vascular closure device as clinically indicated. Post-removal monitoring includes vital sign surveillance, vascular checks of the affected limb, and observation for signs of bleeding, limb ischemia, or hematoma formation. Documentation includes time of removal, method of hemostasis, patient stability, and any immediate complications.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | No modifier; default billing | Use as primary submission when no other modifier applies. |