33935 Transplantation heart/lung
Also known as: Heart-lung transplant, cardiopulmonary transplant, HLT
Transplantation of heart and lung; surgical implantation of donor heart and lungs into recipient for treatment of end-stage cardiopulmonary disease.
In Plain Language
Transplant of heart and both lungs; Heart-lung replacement surgery
Clinical Context
Performed for end-stage disease of both heart and lungs (usually primary pulmonary hypertension, Eisenmenger syndrome, or cystic fibrosis). Requires orthotopic implantation with careful attention to pulmonary and bronchial anastomoses.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 89.49 |
| Total RVU | 89.49 |
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 89.49, this code ranks in the 100th percentile among Surgery codes — 11.2x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 33935?
CPT 33935 (Transplantation heart/lung) is a Surgery code. Transplantation of heart and lung; surgical implantation of donor heart and lungs into recipient for treatment of end-stage cardiopulmonary disease.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 33935?
The work RVU for CPT 33935 is 89.49. This code is primarily used by Cardiac Surgery, Transplantation, Pulmonary Medicine. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 33935 used?
Performed for end-stage disease of both heart and lungs (usually primary pulmonary hypertension, Eisenmenger syndrome, or cystic fibrosis). Requires orthotopic implantation with careful attention to pulmonary and bronchial anastomoses.
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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.