33020 Incision of heart sacral
Also known as: pericardiotomy, surgical pericardial drainage, pericardial window
Surgical incision of the pericardium (pericardiotomy) for drainage or access to the pericardial sac and heart. Open surgical approach.
In Plain Language
surgery to open sac around heart to drain fluid
Clinical Context
Used for pericardial effusion, constrictive pericarditis, or tamponade when percutaneous approaches are ineffective or contraindicated. Allows superior drainage and hemostasis.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 13.95 |
| Total RVU | 13.95 |
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 90-day global period, which includes the day of the procedure, 1 day preoperative, and 90 days of postoperative care. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 13.95, this code ranks in the 70th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.7x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 33020?
CPT 33020 (Incision of heart sacral) is a Surgery code. Surgical incision of the pericardium (pericardiotomy) for drainage or access to the pericardial sac and heart. Open surgical approach.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 33020?
The work RVU for CPT 33020 is 13.95. This code is primarily used by Cardiac Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 33020 used?
Used for pericardial effusion, constrictive pericarditis, or tamponade when percutaneous approaches are ineffective or contraindicated. Allows superior drainage and hemostasis.
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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.