92971 Cardioassist external
Also known as: ECMO removal, external assist removal, cardioassist device removal
Removal of a percutaneous left or right intra-aortic balloon pump or other cardioassist device providing external circulatory support.
In Plain Language
removal of heart support machine; external pump discontinuation
Clinical Context
Discontinuation of external mechanical circulatory support such as ECMO when patient has recovered sufficient cardiac function or when support is no longer beneficial.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.73 |
| Total RVU | 1.73 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
Medicine section codes cover a wide range of non-surgical services. This code has a 0-day global period, meaning pre- and post-operative E&M visits are billable separately on the same day. Documentation should include the clinical indication, procedure details, interpretation (if applicable), and any patient-specific findings.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 1.73, this code ranks in the 73rd percentile among Medicine codes — 2.2x the median (0.78). The highest wRVU in this category is 23.92.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 92971?
CPT 92971 (Cardioassist external) is a Medicine code. Removal of a percutaneous left or right intra-aortic balloon pump or other cardioassist device providing external circulatory support.
Who uses CPT code 92971?
CPT 92971 is used by cardiothoracic surgery, critical care medicine, cardiology. Discontinuation of external mechanical circulatory support such as ECMO when patient has recovered sufficient cardiac function or when support is no longer beneficial.
When is CPT 92971 used?
Discontinuation of external mechanical circulatory support such as ECMO when patient has recovered sufficient cardiac function or when support is no longer beneficial.
Track This Code in RVU Edge
Log procedures, calculate wRVUs, and benchmark against MGMA data — all in one app.
CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.