33030 Partial removal of heart sacral
Also known as: partial pericardiectomy, pericardial stripping, subxiphoid pericardiectomy
Partial removal (pericardiectomy) of the pericardium using a subxiphoid or thoracoscopic approach. Resection of pericardial tissue for constriction or disease.
In Plain Language
surgical removal of part of sac around heart
Clinical Context
Used for constrictive pericarditis or thick pericardial thickening limiting cardiac filling. Subxiphoid approach is less invasive than thoracotomy.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 35.10 |
| Total RVU | 35.10 |
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 35.10, this code ranks in the 95th percentile among Surgery codes — 4.4x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 33030?
CPT 33030 (Partial removal of heart sacral) is a Surgery code. Partial removal (pericardiectomy) of the pericardium using a subxiphoid or thoracoscopic approach. Resection of pericardial tissue for constriction or disease.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 33030?
The work RVU for CPT 33030 is 35.10. This code is primarily used by Cardiac Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 33030 used?
Used for constrictive pericarditis or thick pericardial thickening limiting cardiac filling. Subxiphoid approach is less invasive than thoracotomy.
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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.