33786 Repair arterial trunk
Also known as: Truncus repair, arterial trunk repair, truncus arteriosus correction
Repair of arterial trunk (truncus arteriosus); surgical correction of the failure of the embryologic truncus arteriosus to properly divide into the aorta, pulmonary artery, and coronary arteries.
In Plain Language
Heart surgery for undivided main blood vessel; Repair of common arterial trunk
Clinical Context
Used for congenital truncus arteriosus, a rare condition where a single arterial trunk arises from the heart instead of the normal three separate vessels. This requires early surgical intervention to separate the pulmonary circulation from the systemic circulation.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 40.82 |
| Total RVU | 40.82 |
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 40.82, this code ranks in the 97th percentile among Surgery codes — 5.1x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 33786?
CPT 33786 (Repair arterial trunk) is a Surgery code. Repair of arterial trunk (truncus arteriosus); surgical correction of the failure of the embryologic truncus arteriosus to properly divide into the aorta, pulmonary artery, and coronary arteries.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 33786?
The work RVU for CPT 33786 is 40.82. This code is primarily used by Cardiac Surgery, Congenital Heart Surgery, Pediatric Cardiology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 33786 used?
Used for congenital truncus arteriosus, a rare condition where a single arterial trunk arises from the heart instead of the normal three separate vessels. This requires early surgical intervention to separate the pulmonary circulation from the systemic circulation.
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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.