33966 Ecmo/ecls removal prph cannula
Also known as: ECMO peripheral removal second, additional cannula removal, multi-cannula removal
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation/extracorporeal life support removal of peripheral venous/arterial cannula (second or greater removal); removal of additional peripheral cannulae.
In Plain Language
Removal of additional ECMO peripheral tubing; Additional peripheral catheter removal
Clinical Context
Removal of additional peripheral ECMO cannulae when multiple cannulae were placed and require sequential or staged removal.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 4.39 |
| Total RVU | 4.39 |
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 4.39, this code ranks in the 30th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.8x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 33966?
CPT 33966 (Ecmo/ecls removal prph cannula) is a Surgery code. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation/extracorporeal life support removal of peripheral venous/arterial cannula (second or greater removal); removal of additional peripheral cannulae.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 33966?
The work RVU for CPT 33966 is 4.39. This code is primarily used by Cardiac Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Critical Care.
When is CPT 33966 used?
Removal of additional peripheral ECMO cannulae when multiple cannulae were placed and require sequential or staged 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.