33945 Transplantation of heart
Also known as: Heart transplant, orthotopic heart transplant, cardiac transplantation
Transplantation of heart; surgical implantation of donor heart into recipient for treatment of end-stage heart disease.
In Plain Language
Heart replacement surgery; Donor heart implant
Clinical Context
Definitive surgical treatment for end-stage heart disease refractory to medical management and mechanical support. Requires careful management of cardiopulmonary bypass, allograft preservation, and anastomotic technique.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 87.26 |
| Total RVU | 87.26 |
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 87.26, this code ranks in the 100th percentile among Surgery codes — 10.9x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 33945?
CPT 33945 (Transplantation of heart) is a Surgery code. Transplantation of heart; surgical implantation of donor heart into recipient for treatment of end-stage heart disease.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 33945?
The work RVU for CPT 33945 is 87.26. This code is primarily used by Cardiac Surgery, Transplantation, Heart Failure. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 33945 used?
Definitive surgical treatment for end-stage heart disease refractory to medical management and mechanical support. Requires careful management of cardiopulmonary bypass, allograft preservation, and anastomotic technique.
Track This Code in RVU Edge
Log procedures, calculate wRVUs, and benchmark against MGMA data — all in one app.
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.