AMA CPT® Assistant - 2018 Issue 6 (June)
Artificial Heart System Procedures (33927–33929) (June 2018)
June 2018 pages 3-5 Artificial Heart System Procedures (33927–33929) Heart disease is a major cause of death in the United States. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several devices that were developed to be used as a bridge to transplant in cardiac transplant-eligible candidates at risk of imminent death from biventricular failure (see Figure 1); for use as destination therapy (ie, final or long term) for individuals with irreversible biventricular failure, who are not suitable candidates for left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) implant and for use as destination therapy in patients at risk for imminent death from...
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Article Overview
This CPT® Assistant article explains the 2018 update for artificial heart system procedures in the Cardiovascular section of the CPT code set. It places the codes in clinical context, summarizes the shift from prior temporary codes, and includes procedural examples and related terminology for cardiothoracic, transplant, and coding professionals.
Why This Topic Matters
It helps coders and clinicians understand how artificial heart system procedures are represented in the CPT framework and why the 2018 code changes matter for documenting and reporting these complex cardiac cases.
Article Sections
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June 2018 pages 3-5
Introduces the article and the CPT update context for artificial heart system procedures. It frames the topic within cardiovascular and transplant-related coding.
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Heart/Lung Transplantation
Presents the CPT code placement and the new artificial heart system procedure entries. It also notes related predecessor codes and cross-references within the code set.
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Coding Tip
Provides a short coding note tied to the procedure discussion. It highlights the relationship between the artificial heart system procedure content and transplant reporting.
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Glossary of Related Terms
Defines key terminology used in the article’s clinical and coding discussion. The glossary supports understanding of device types, support concepts, and transplant-related language.
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Clinical Example (33927) / Description of Procedure (33927)
Shows a representative clinical scenario and associated operative narrative for the first artificial heart system procedure example. The section illustrates the type of case context addressed by the article.
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Clinical Example (33928) / Description of Procedure (33928)
Provides a second case example with an accompanying operative description focused on device replacement. It demonstrates the procedural context discussed in the article.
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Clinical Example (33929) / Description of Procedure (33929)
Includes a third clinical scenario and related procedural narrative involving device removal in connection with transplant care. The section rounds out the article’s example-based coverage.
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References
Lists supporting literature and source references used in the article. This section provides background citations rather than coding guidance.
What You Will Learn
- How the 2018 CPT update addressed artificial heart system procedures
- Where artificial heart system procedures are located within the CPT code structure
- How related terminology is used in the article’s discussion
- What kinds of clinical examples and procedure narratives accompany the code guidance
- Which prior temporary code references are associated with the update
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Cardiothoracic surgery staff
- Transplant program coordinators
- Clinical documentation specialists
- Revenue cycle professionals
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
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