33542 Removal of heart lesion
Also known as: ventricular lesion removal, myocardial resection, arrhythmia focus ablation
Surgical removal of a myocardial lesion, typically an arrhythmogenic focus or anatomic abnormality from the ventricular wall.
In Plain Language
removing abnormal tissue from heart muscle
Clinical Context
Performed for symptomatic ventricular arrhythmias secondary to localized scarring or anatomic lesions; provides arrhythmia cure when combined with intraoperative mapping.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 47.00 |
| Total RVU | 47.00 |
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 47.00, this code ranks in the 98th percentile among Surgery codes — 5.9x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 33542?
CPT 33542 (Removal of heart lesion) is a Surgery code. Surgical removal of a myocardial lesion, typically an arrhythmogenic focus or anatomic abnormality from the ventricular wall.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 33542?
The work RVU for CPT 33542 is 47.00. This code is primarily used by Cardiac Surgery, Cardiac Electrophysiology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 33542 used?
Performed for symptomatic ventricular arrhythmias secondary to localized scarring or anatomic lesions; provides arrhythmia cure when combined with intraoperative mapping.
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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.