Wiki Replacement of single chamber generator coding

veganess

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I am so confused with the revised codes! If a patient goes to the OR for the removal and replacement of a single chamber pulse generator for their pacemaker, how is that coded? The codes 33212 and 33213 are listed in the index for this, but under 33212 in exlusion notes, it says that the removal and replacement should be coded to 33227-33229. Help! Thanks in advance.
 
Sounds like 33227

The new codes bundle together pairs of removal and replacement procedures that more commonly are performed together but previously (CPT 2010 and earlier) had to be reported separately.

In my CPT 2012 Pro edition, on p.171, there is a very helpful list entitled Transvenous Procedures. Reading it, I found the following pertinent entry:

Removal pulse generator with replacement pulse generator only single lead system (transvenous)
CPT 33227 if for a Pacemaker
CPT 33252 if for an Implantable Carioverter-Defibrillator

From your description, this (33227) is the one you want to use. This table should also help you pick the proper code(s) to use as other similar procedures need to be coded.
 
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