33915 Remove lung artery emboli
Also known as: Catheter PE removal, percutaneous embolectomy, catheter thromboembolectomy
Removal of pulmonary artery thrombus by percutaneous catheter pulmonary embolectomy; minimally invasive extraction of pulmonary artery thrombus using catheter-based techniques.
In Plain Language
Catheter procedure to remove lung blood clot; Minimally invasive clot removal from lung artery
Clinical Context
Less invasive alternative to open embolectomy for selected pulmonary emboli. May include aspiration, rheolytic thrombectomy, or mechanical fragmentation techniques.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 24.33 |
| Total RVU | 24.33 |
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 24.33, this code ranks in the 88th percentile among Surgery codes — 3.0x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 33915?
CPT 33915 (Remove lung artery emboli) is a Surgery code. Removal of pulmonary artery thrombus by percutaneous catheter pulmonary embolectomy; minimally invasive extraction of pulmonary artery thrombus using catheter-based techniques.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 33915?
The work RVU for CPT 33915 is 24.33. This code is primarily used by Cardiology, Interventional Radiology, Critical Care. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 33915 used?
Less invasive alternative to open embolectomy for selected pulmonary emboli. May include aspiration, rheolytic thrombectomy, or mechanical fragmentation techniques.
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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.