33955 Ecmo/ecls insj ctr cannula
Also known as: ECMO peripheral repositioning, peripheral cannula adjustment, ECLS cannula reposition
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation/extracorporeal life support repositioning of peripheral venous/arterial cannula; percutaneous or open repositioning of peripherally placed cannulae during ongoing ECMO support.
In Plain Language
Adjustment of life support tubing position; ECMO peripheral catheter movement
Clinical Context
Repositioning of peripheral ECMO cannulae due to inadequate flow, malpositioning, limb ischemia, or other complications requiring adjustment without complete removal.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 15.60 |
| Total RVU | 15.60 |
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 15.60, this code ranks in the 74th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.0x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 33955?
CPT 33955 (Ecmo/ecls insj ctr cannula) is a Surgery code. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation/extracorporeal life support repositioning of peripheral venous/arterial cannula; percutaneous or open repositioning of peripherally placed cannulae during ongoing ECMO support.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 33955?
The work RVU for CPT 33955 is 15.60. This code is primarily used by Cardiac Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Critical Care.
When is CPT 33955 used?
Repositioning of peripheral ECMO cannulae due to inadequate flow, malpositioning, limb ischemia, or other complications requiring adjustment without complete removal.
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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.