What is HCPCS code 33361?

Asked by: Earlene Rice  |  Last update: June 7, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (24 votes)

What is CPT Code 33361. CPT code 33361 is used to describe the procedure of replacing an aortic valve through a percutaneous approach, commonly known as Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR).

What is included in CPT code 33361?

CPT® Code 33361 in section: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR/TAVI) with Prosthetic Valve.

Who qualifies for the TAVR procedure?

Your doctor may recommend TAVR if you have: Severe aortic stenosis that causes symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath. A biological tissue aortic valve that isn't working as well as it should.

Is the TAVR procedure covered by Medicare?

Does insurance cover TAVR and Protected TAVR with Sentinel? Most insurers cover the diagnosis and medically necessary treatment of aortic valve disease. Medicare has a national policy for severe aortic valve stenosis, which includes coverage for TAVR and Protected TAVR.

What is transfemoral aortic valve replacement?

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a procedure that replaces a diseased aortic valve with a man-made valve. Aortic valve replacement can also be performed with open-heart surgery; this procedure is surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR).

Cardiac Valve Procedures Explained: CPT Codes 33361 - 33478 #cptcoding #learnwithdhanya

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Why is TAVR not recommended?

Blood vessel size: TAVR may be unsafe if blood vessels, particularly the femoral artery, are too small to accommodate the thin catheter that must be guided to the heart.

What is the best aortic valve replacement?

Current guidelines recommend the use of a mechanical valve in patients less than 50 years and a bioprosthetic valve in patients more than 70 years (1).

What is the life expectancy after TAVR?

After TAVR, the 5-year survival of patients with low (78 ± 8 years) or intermediate (83 ± 5 years) surgical risk was significantly lower than that of the general population (low risk, 64 % vs. 81 %, p < 0.01; intermediate risk, 66 % vs.

Who is not a candidate for TAVR surgery?

Similarly, if you have problems with more than one valve or you need surgery to treat another condition, such as coronary artery disease, you are not a candidate for TAVR.

What is the average cost of TAVR surgery?

The average, unadjusted, total in-patient hospital cost for TAVR was $60,063 (SD=$37,962) compared to $60,319 (SD=$42,144) for SAVR. The total average supply cost was higher for TAVR by $11,407 (TAVR=$26,317, SD: $21,021 versus SAVR=$14,910, SD: $10,860).

How long is bed rest after a TAVR?

Immediately after TAVR Procedure

There will be 6-8 hours of bedrest after the equipment from the procedure is removed. The incision by your groin will be slightly tender. For the 48 hours after the procedure, you should lightly apply pressure with the tips of your fingers when you cough, sneeze, sit down, or stand up.

What is the age cutoff for TAVR?

“Whether or not someone can get TAVR isn't based on age, as there's no age limit,” Dr. Russo says. “It's a decision patients should make with their physicians based on the patient's unique situation.” One thing that's unclear about TAVR use in younger patients is how long the valves will last.

Why do you need a pacemaker after a TAVR?

Despite improvements in TAVR outcomes with advanced technology, permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation remains a frequent complication. The need for a PPM is related to conduction abnormalities arising from anatomic interaction between the valve prosthesis and the atrioventricular node and bundle of His.

What are the criteria for TAVR?

For TAVR to be recommended, the evaluation must confirm the following: You have aortic stenosis that is severe in nature and is causing symptoms. You are not a candidate for surgical aortic valve replacement or you're at high risk for surgery and likely would benefit from TAVR therapy.

Does TAVR require two surgeons?

In 2012, the CMS adopted the two-surgeon rule as a major requirement of the National Coverage Decision (NCD) for TAVR programs.

Does insurance cover heart valve replacement?

Most health insurance plans provide coverage for heart valve replacement surgery, but the extent of coverage can vary. Patients should thoroughly review their insurance policies to understand what is covered, including hospital fees, surgeon fees, and the cost of prosthetic valves.

Who should not have TAVR surgery?

In their 2020 consensus guidelines, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association recommended surgery over TAVR in patients under 65 with severe aortic stenosis, a condition that stiffens and narrows the aortic valve, making blood flow more difficult.

Is TAVR covered by Medicare?

Medicare covers transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), a minimally invasive procedure to repair a narrowed aortic valve, as long as certain criteria are met.

What is the downside of TAVR?

Vessel damage: Passing catheters through your arteries can potentially damage them. The damage is usually repairable through a catheter or with open vascular surgery. Stroke: A small percentage of people undergoing TAVR have developed a stroke, either during the procedure or in the days immediately following it.

What is the most common complication after TAVR?

Bleeding from the puncture site, or myocardial tears during access site closure, are the most frequent complications observed. As TAVR is usually performed in elderly patients, myocardial tissue can be rather soft and frail. Patients with a dilated left ventricle and a thin free wall are at particular risk.

What is the average hospital stay after a TAVR procedure?

Your time in the hospital will vary based on the type of procedure and your other health issues. In general: • Transfemoral TAVR patients can be ready to leave the hospital the second day after their procedure. The usual stay is four to five days. Transcaval TAVR patients usually stay six to eight days.

Is the heart stopped during a TAVR procedure?

TAVR doesn't require the heart to be stopped, so a bypass machine, which performs the work of the heart and lungs during surgery, is unnecessary.

Which heart valve is the hardest to replace?

The tricuspid valve is even more challenging: a leaking tricuspid valve is hard to treat both with surgery and with percutaneous treatments. In terms of recovery, open heart surgery will generally mean a one-week stay in hospital and four-to-six weeks of recovery at home.

What foods should I avoid after heart valve replacement?

Foods to avoid after heart valve replacement surgery
  • foods with added sugars, such as sweet treats, cakes, biscuits, cereals, pastries, sauces, and syrups.
  • red and processed meat and poultry with skin.
  • processed foods and snacks that may contain high amounts of sugar, fat, and salt.

What famous people have had aortic valve replacement?

Here are some celebrities that experienced severe heart valve defects and had to have either heart valve replacement and heart valve repair surgery.
  • Arnold Schwarzenegger (The Governator) – Heart Valve Replacement.
  • Barbara Walters – Aortic Valve Replacement.
  • Robin Williams – Aortic Valve Replacement & Mitral Valve Repair.