33954 Ecmo/ecls insj prph cannula
Also known as: ECMO second central cannulation, additional central ECMO, second central cannula
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation/extracorporeal life support insertion of central venous and/or arterial cannula (second insertion); open surgical placement of additional central cannulae.
In Plain Language
Additional placement of central ECMO tubing; Second central heart-lung machine connection
Clinical Context
Placement of additional central cannulae when initial central cannulation requires augmentation or supplementation for improved hemodynamic support.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 8.88 |
| Total RVU | 8.88 |
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 0-day global period, meaning pre- and post-operative E&M visits are billable separately on the same day. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 8.88, this code ranks in the 54th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.1x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 33954?
CPT 33954 (Ecmo/ecls insj prph cannula) is a Surgery code. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation/extracorporeal life support insertion of central venous and/or arterial cannula (second insertion); open surgical placement of additional central cannulae.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 33954?
The work RVU for CPT 33954 is 8.88. This code is primarily used by Cardiac Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Critical Care.
When is CPT 33954 used?
Placement of additional central cannulae when initial central cannulation requires augmentation or supplementation for improved hemodynamic support.
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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.