Anesthesia Coding Alert

Question: How should we code anesthesia for a hybrid maze procedure?

Florida Subscriber

Answer: During a hybrid maze procedure, the surgeon goes through the diaphragm and does not open the chest, so your most appropriate anesthesia code would be CPT 00537 (Anesthesia for cardiac electrophysiologic procedures including radiofrequency ablation).

The hybrid maze uses an advanced ablation system and catheter-based pulmonary vein isolation for patients who might need more aggressive treatment for atrial fibrillation or who have a previously failed ablation.

Caution: Some payers, such as Aetna, classify the hybrid maze procedure as experimental and investigational unless the patient meets certain criteria. Be sure to verify your carrier's policy so you know whether to expect coverage.