33018 Prcrd drainage 0-5yr or with anomly
Also known as: pericardial drain pediatric, pericardial drainage congenital, infant pericardiocentesis
Percutaneous pericardial drainage in patients age 0-5 years or patients with congenital cardiac anomaly. Modified approach for pediatric or complex cases.
In Plain Language
drainage tube for fluid around heart in young children or heart defects
Clinical Context
Used for pericardial effusion management in infants, young children, or those with congenital heart disease requiring special technical considerations.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 5.27 |
| Total RVU | 5.27 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
As a surgical CPT code, proper documentation must include the operative report detailing the procedure performed, patient positioning, approach, findings, and any complications. This code has a 0-day global period, meaning pre- and post-operative E&M visits are billable separately on the same day. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 5.27, this code ranks in the 35th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.5x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 33018?
CPT 33018 (Prcrd drainage 0-5yr or with anomly) is a Surgery code. Percutaneous pericardial drainage in patients age 0-5 years or patients with congenital cardiac anomaly. Modified approach for pediatric or complex cases.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 33018?
The work RVU for CPT 33018 is 5.27. This code is primarily used by Pediatric Cardiology, Cardiac Surgery, Neonatology.
When is CPT 33018 used?
Used for pericardial effusion management in infants, young children, or those with congenital heart disease requiring special technical considerations.
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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.