33496 Repair prosthesis valve clot
Also known as: prosthetic valve clot removal, valve thrombectomy, clotted valve repair
Surgical repair or replacement of a prosthetic heart valve that has developed thrombosis (blood clot), restoring normal valvular function.
In Plain Language
fixing a blocked artificial heart valve; removing a clot from artificial valve
Clinical Context
Performed when a prosthetic heart valve becomes obstructed by thrombus, typically manifesting as acute hemodynamic compromise or echocardiographic evidence of reduced valve motion in patients at risk for thromboembolism.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 29.09 |
| Total RVU | 29.09 |
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 29.09, this code ranks in the 92nd percentile among Surgery codes — 3.6x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 33496?
CPT 33496 (Repair prosthesis valve clot) is a Surgery code. Surgical repair or replacement of a prosthetic heart valve that has developed thrombosis (blood clot), restoring normal valvular function.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 33496?
The work RVU for CPT 33496 is 29.09. This code is primarily used by Cardiac Surgery, Thoracic Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 33496 used?
Performed when a prosthetic heart valve becomes obstructed by thrombus, typically manifesting as acute hemodynamic compromise or echocardiographic evidence of reduced valve motion in patients at risk for thromboembolism.
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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.