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The procedure described by CPT® Code 33284 involves the removal of an implantable, patient-activated cardiac event recorder, commonly known as an implantable loop recorder (ILR). This device is designed to monitor and record the heart's rhythm, particularly during episodes of cardiac symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, or fainting. The ILR is surgically implanted in a subcutaneous pocket in the chest, where it continuously tracks heart activity and allows the patient to activate it manually when symptoms occur. Upon activation, the device captures and stores the heart rhythm for several minutes, providing valuable data for diagnosing cardiac conditions. The recorder can also be programmed to automatically capture events based on preset criteria. The removal procedure, as indicated by CPT® Code 33284, entails making an incision over the previously implanted device, extracting it from the subcutaneous pocket, and subsequently closing the incision. This procedure is essential for patients who no longer require the device or who may need to replace it due to malfunction or other medical reasons.
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The removal of an implantable, patient-activated cardiac event recorder, as described by CPT® Code 33284, is indicated in specific clinical scenarios. These may include:
The procedure for removing a patient-activated cardiac event recorder involves several key steps, which are detailed as follows:
Following the removal of the implantable cardiac event recorder, the patient may be monitored for any immediate complications related to the procedure. Instructions regarding wound care and signs of infection are typically provided. The patient may also be advised on activity restrictions to promote healing. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess the surgical site and ensure proper recovery.
| Short Descr | REMOVE PAT-ACTIVE HT RECORD | Medium Descr | RMVL IMPLANTABLE PT-ACTIVATED CAR EVENT RECORDER | Long Descr | Removal of an implantable, patient-activated cardiac event recorder | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 090 - Major Surgery | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | T-Packaged Codes | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P2F - Major procedure, cardiovascular-Other | MUE | Not applicable/unspecified. | CCS Clinical Classification | 62 - Other diagnostic cardiovascular procedures |
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| 2019-01-01 | Deleted | Code deleted, see 33285, 33286 |
| 2017-01-01 | Changed | Moderate (Conscious) Sedation flag removed. See new Moderate Sedation category. |
| 2000-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2000. |
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