33019 Percutaneous prcrd drainage insj catheter CT
Also known as: indwelling pericardial catheter, transvenous pericardial drainage, pericardial pigtail catheter
Percutaneous pericardial drainage with insertion of indwelling catheter via transvenous approach. Allows prolonged drainage without repeated procedures.
In Plain Language
permanent tube left in place to drain fluid around heart
Clinical Context
Used for recurrent or persistent pericardial effusion requiring prolonged drainage, avoiding repeated needle punctures and reducing patient morbidity.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 4.18 |
| Total RVU | 4.18 |
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 4.18, this code ranks in the 29th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.9x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 33019?
CPT 33019 (Percutaneous prcrd drainage insj catheter CT) is a Surgery code. Percutaneous pericardial drainage with insertion of indwelling catheter via transvenous approach. Allows prolonged drainage without repeated procedures.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 33019?
The work RVU for CPT 33019 is 4.18. This code is primarily used by Interventional Cardiology, Cardiology, Cardiac Surgery.
When is CPT 33019 used?
Used for recurrent or persistent pericardial effusion requiring prolonged drainage, avoiding repeated needle punctures and reducing patient morbidity.
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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.