33620 Apply right and left pulmonary artery bands
Also known as: pulmonary artery banding, PA banding, bilateral PA banding
Surgical application of restrictive bands around the right and left pulmonary arteries to control pulmonary blood flow.
In Plain Language
putting bands around lung arteries
Clinical Context
Performed as a palliative procedure in neonates/infants with excessive pulmonary blood flow (e.g., truncus arteriosus, large VSD); reduces right ventricular volume overload pending definitive repair.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 29.25 |
| Total RVU | 29.25 |
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 29.25, this code ranks in the 92nd percentile among Surgery codes — 3.7x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 33620?
CPT 33620 (Apply right and left pulmonary artery bands) is a Surgery code. Surgical application of restrictive bands around the right and left pulmonary arteries to control pulmonary blood flow.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 33620?
The work RVU for CPT 33620 is 29.25. This code is primarily used by Cardiac Surgery, Congenital Cardiology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 33620 used?
Performed as a palliative procedure in neonates/infants with excessive pulmonary blood flow (e.g., truncus arteriosus, large VSD); reduces right ventricular volume overload pending definitive repair.
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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.