CPT® Code 33960

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Prolonged extracorporeal circulation for cardiopulmonary insufficiency, as denoted by CPT® Code 33960, refers to a medical procedure commonly known as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). This advanced life-support technique employs a cardiopulmonary bypass circuit to temporarily take over the function of the heart and lungs in patients experiencing reversible cardiac and/or respiratory failure. ECMO is particularly beneficial for neonates, children, and adults whose conditions have not improved with standard medical therapies. During the procedure, a physician is responsible for closely monitoring the patient’s status and making necessary adjustments to the ECMO parameters. This is done to ensure optimal support for both cardiac and respiratory functions, which is assessed through blood gas analyses and other clinical observations. It is important to note that CPT® Code 33960 is specifically designated for billing the initial day of ECMO maintenance, while subsequent days of treatment are billed using CPT® Code 33961.