Cardiac Procedures - Part 1 (February 2002)

Why This Topic Matters

The article helps readers identify which cardiac procedure code families were revised, added, or relocated in CPT 2002 so they can recognize when the update may affect cardiovascular coding workflows and reference materials.

Article Sections

1. February 2002 pages 1-3

   Introductory overview of the CPT 2002 cardiovascular and medicine section changes covered in this issue. It frames the article’s focus on cardiac assist devices and other cardiovascular service updates.

2. Cardiac Assist

   Discussion of changes to the cardiac assist device family within the CPT cardiovascular system section. The section explains the broader shift in terminology and structure for these services.

3. Codes 33975, 33976, 33977, 33978

   Detailed discussion of revisions affecting a ventricular assist device code series and the addition of related codes. The section includes background on how the updated code family is organized in CPT 2002.

4. Vignette for Code 33975

   A clinical vignette illustrating one type of ventricular assist device procedure in the context of the revised code set. The example is used to clarify how the article distinguishes among related device procedures.

5. Vignette for Code 33979

   A second clinical vignette showing a more complex ventricular assist device procedure scenario. The example supports the article’s discussion of the new and revised assist device codes.

6. Comparison of Codes for Ventricular Assist Devices

   A side-by-side comparison of prior and effective 2002 ventricular assist device codes. This section shows how the article organizes code family revisions and additions for reference.