CPT CODES

CPT Code 33692

CPT code 33692 is used for procedures involving the repair of heart defects, helping healthcare providers classify and document medical services.

Accelerate your revenue cycle

Boost patient experience and your bottom line by automating patient cost estimates, payer underpayment detection, and contract optimization in one place.

Get a Demo

What is CPT Code 33692

CPT code 33692 is used to describe a surgical procedure that involves the repair of heart defects. This code specifically pertains to the correction of congenital heart anomalies, which are structural problems present in the heart from birth. The procedure typically involves intricate surgical techniques to correct defects such as holes in the heart walls or abnormal connections between heart chambers or blood vessels. The goal of this surgery is to improve heart function and overall cardiovascular health, often requiring a highly skilled cardiac surgeon and a specialized healthcare team.

Does CPT 33692 Need a Modifier?

For CPT code 33692, which involves the repair of heart defects, the following modifiers may be applicable:

1. Modifier 22 (Increased Procedural Services): This modifier is used when the work required to perform the procedure is substantially greater than typically required. This could be due to increased complexity or additional time spent on the procedure.

2. Modifier 51 (Multiple Procedures): If multiple procedures are performed during the same surgical session, this modifier indicates that the procedure is one of several performed.

3. Modifier 59 (Distinct Procedural Service): This modifier is used to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other services performed on the same day. It is used to prevent bundling of services that are usually considered part of a single procedure.

4. Modifier 62 (Two Surgeons): When two surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct parts of a procedure, this modifier is used to indicate the collaborative effort.

5. Modifier 66 (Surgical Team): This modifier is applicable when a complex procedure requires the skills of a surgical team, indicating that multiple professionals are involved in the surgery.

6. Modifier 78 (Unplanned Return to the Operating/Procedure Room): If the patient requires an unplanned return to the operating room for a related procedure during the postoperative period, this modifier is used.

7. Modifier 79 (Unrelated Procedure or Service by the Same Physician During the Postoperative Period): This modifier is used when a procedure is performed by the same physician during the postoperative period of another procedure, but the procedure is unrelated to the original surgery.

These modifiers help provide additional information about the circumstances under which the procedure was performed, ensuring accurate billing and reimbursement. It's important to use them appropriately to reflect the specific details of the surgical intervention.

CPT Code 33692 Medicare Reimbursement

CPT code 33692 is subject to reimbursement by Medicare, but whether it is reimbursed depends on several factors, including its inclusion in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) and the specific guidelines set forth by the Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) for the region where the service is provided.

The MPFS outlines the payment rates for services covered under Medicare Part B, and each MAC may have additional local coverage determinations that affect reimbursement.

Therefore, healthcare providers should verify the current MPFS and consult their regional MAC to confirm the reimbursement status of CPT code 33692.

Are You Being Underpaid for 33692 CPT Code?

Discover how MD Clarity's RevFind software can enhance your revenue cycle management by accurately reading your contracts and detecting underpayments down to the CPT code level, including CPT code 33692. Schedule a demo today to see how RevFind can help you identify discrepancies with individual payers and ensure you're receiving the full reimbursement you deserve.

Get paid in full by bringing clarity to your revenue cycle

Full Page Background