Summary & Overview
CPT 33975: Ventricular Assist Device Implantation, Single Ventricle
CPT code 33975 denotes the surgical implantation of a ventricular assist device (VAD) for a single ventricle and represents a high-acuity cardiac surgical service used in advanced heart failure management. Nationally, VAD implantation is a critical intervention that can bridge patients to recovery, transplantation, or long-term support, and it carries substantial clinical and financial implications for hospitals and payers. Key payers in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context for VAD implantation, typical settings of care, and the role of CPT code 33975 in claims and hospital reporting. The publication covers payer coverage landscapes and benchmarking expectations where available, as well as relevant coding and billing considerations tied to surgical implant procedures. Data not available in the input will be noted where necessary. This summary is intended for health policy analysts, hospital billing leaders, and clinical administrators seeking a national perspective on the use and classification of CPT code 33975 in advanced cardiac surgical care.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 33975 describes the surgical insertion of a ventricular assist device (VAD) into a single ventricle. This procedure is performed when a patient has severe ventricular dysfunction or heart failure and requires mechanical circulatory support to maintain cardiac output.
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Service type: Surgical implant of a mechanical circulatory support device for a single ventricle
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Typical site of service: Inpatient operating room or cardiac surgical suite
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 58-year-old man with ischemic cardiomyopathy and advanced, refractory heart failure (NYHA class IV) is admitted for evaluation of mechanical circulatory support. He has progressive dyspnea on minimal exertion, low cardiac output, and recurrent hospitalizations despite maximal medical therapy including inotropes. The cardiothoracic surgery team determines he is a candidate for implantation of a durable ventricular assist device for left ventricular support. Preoperative workup includes transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography, right heart catheterization, cross-sectional imaging for vascular access, infectious disease screening, and optimization of anticoagulation and end-organ function. In the operating room, under general anesthesia, a median sternotomy is performed, cardiopulmonary bypass is initiated as indicated, and a single-ventricle ventricular assist device is implanted with secure inflow and outflow cannulation. Postoperative care includes ICU monitoring, hemodynamic support, anticoagulation management, device interrogation, and coordination with advanced heart failure services for ongoing management and potential transplantation listing.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | No modifier (standard reporting) | Use when no additional modifier applies and the procedure is billed as usual. |