33991 Insj percutaneous vad l hrt artl & venous
Also known as: percutaneous LVAD dual access, percutaneous left heart VAD arterial-venous
Insertion of a percutaneous left ventricular assist device (VAD) with both arterial and venous access. Placement of mechanical circulatory support with dual cannulation.
In Plain Language
temporary heart pump through blood vessels; two-tube emergency heart support
Clinical Context
Used for acute heart failure with cardiogenic shock requiring both inflow and outflow support. More complete hemodynamic support than arterial-only access.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 8.62 |
| Total RVU | 8.62 |
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 8.62, this code ranks in the 53rd 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 33991?
CPT 33991 (Insj percutaneous vad l hrt artl & venous) is a Surgery code. Insertion of a percutaneous left ventricular assist device (VAD) with both arterial and venous access. Placement of mechanical circulatory support with dual cannulation.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 33991?
The work RVU for CPT 33991 is 8.62. This code is primarily used by Cardiac Surgery, Interventional Cardiology, Critical Care.
When is CPT 33991 used?
Used for acute heart failure with cardiogenic shock requiring both inflow and outflow support. More complete hemodynamic support than arterial-only access.
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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.