33965 Ecmo/ecls removal perph cannula
Also known as: ECMO peripheral removal, peripheral cannula removal, ECLS removal
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation/extracorporeal life support removal of peripheral venous/arterial cannula; percutaneous or open removal of peripheral ECMO cannulae.
In Plain Language
Removal of ECMO tubing from arms or legs; Peripheral catheter removal
Clinical Context
Removal of peripheral ECMO cannulae at time of ECMO weaning or when conversion to alternative access is needed.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 3.42 |
| Total RVU | 3.42 |
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 3.42, this code ranks in the 24th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.3x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 33965?
CPT 33965 (Ecmo/ecls removal perph cannula) is a Surgery code. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation/extracorporeal life support removal of peripheral venous/arterial cannula; percutaneous or open removal of peripheral ECMO cannulae.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 33965?
The work RVU for CPT 33965 is 3.42. This code is primarily used by Cardiac Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Critical Care.
When is CPT 33965 used?
Removal of peripheral ECMO cannulae at time of ECMO weaning or when conversion to alternative access is needed.
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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.