33025 Incision of heart sacral
Also known as: pericardiotomy with drainage, surgical pericardial window, open pericardial drainage
Surgical incision of the pericardium with drainage, possibly with additional exploration or management of intrapericardial pathology. Modified open approach.
In Plain Language
surgery to open and drain fluid around heart
Clinical Context
Used for management of pericardial effusion, hemopericardium, or acute tamponade requiring open surgical drainage and potential exploration.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 12.87 |
| Total RVU | 12.87 |
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 12.87, this code ranks in the 67th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.6x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 33025?
CPT 33025 (Incision of heart sacral) is a Surgery code. Surgical incision of the pericardium with drainage, possibly with additional exploration or management of intrapericardial pathology. Modified open approach.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 33025?
The work RVU for CPT 33025 is 12.87. This code is primarily used by Cardiac Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Trauma Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 33025 used?
Used for management of pericardial effusion, hemopericardium, or acute tamponade requiring open surgical drainage and potential exploration.
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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.