33617 Repair single ventricle
Also known as: Fontan procedure, single ventricle repair, total cavopulmonary connection
Surgical repair of a single ventricle cardiac defect through construction of a Fontan-type circulation.
In Plain Language
creating new blood flow pathways in single ventricle heart
Clinical Context
Definitive surgical palliation for single functional ventricle; creates direct connection from systemic veins to pulmonary artery, bypassing the right heart.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 38.11 |
| Total RVU | 38.11 |
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 38.11, this code ranks in the 97th percentile among Surgery codes — 4.8x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 33617?
CPT 33617 (Repair single ventricle) is a Surgery code. Surgical repair of a single ventricle cardiac defect through construction of a Fontan-type circulation.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 33617?
The work RVU for CPT 33617 is 38.11. This code is primarily used by Cardiac Surgery, Congenital Cardiology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 33617 used?
Definitive surgical palliation for single functional ventricle; creates direct connection from systemic veins to pulmonary artery, bypassing the right heart.
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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.