AMA CPT® Assistant - 2001 Issue 4 (April)
Transmyocardial Laser Revascularization (April 2001)
April 2001 page 7 Coding Commentary Transmyocardial Laser Revascularization Within the past two years, two new codes have been added to describe transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMR); namely: 33140 Transmyocardial laser revascularization, by thoracotomy; (separate procedure) 33141 performed at the time of other open cardiac procedure(s) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) Since that time, there has been some confusion related to the intent and use of these transmyocardial laser revascularization procedures. As you will recall, TMR is performed to create channels in the arterio-luminal sinusoids that connect directly with the left ventricular cavity, using a high-powered...
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Article Overview
This coding commentary explains the CPT context for transmyocardial laser revascularization, including how the topic was addressed in the 2001 code set and an add-on code introduced for use with other open cardiac procedures. It is aimed at coders and reimbursement professionals who need to understand the scope of the guidance, the affected cardiac procedure families, and the related CPT editorial update referenced for later review.
Why This Topic Matters
The article helps readers understand how a specialized cardiac procedure was being discussed in CPT guidance at the time and why related procedure families were referenced for reporting purposes. It is relevant to coders working with cardiac surgery documentation and CPT editorial updates.
Article Sections
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Coding Commentary
Introduces the coding discussion and frames the procedural topic in the context of CPT updates and reporting guidance.
What You Will Learn
- The CPT context for transmyocardial laser revascularization
- How the article frames the relationship between the procedure and other open cardiac surgery categories
- What broader cardiac procedure groups are mentioned in the discussion
- How the article situates the guidance within a 2001 CPT update context
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Cardiology billing staff
- Revenue cycle professionals
- Healthcare compliance staff
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
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