33665 AV canal repair Medicare reimbursement rates in Maine

This code describes open surgical correction of an intermediate or transitional atrioventricular septal defect, often called an AV canal defect. The anatomy includes an atrial septal component and a limited ventricular septal component at the atrioventricular junction. A congenital cardiac surgeon repairs the defect; the operation may also include repair of the left atrioventricular valve cleft. These procedures are performed in a cardiac operating room, typically as major congenital heart surgery.

Select this code from the documented defect type and operative anatomy, not simply from the fact that septal tissue was closed. The operative report should support the intermediate or transitional form and describe the repair performed, including any valve work. The day-before preoperative visit and 90 days of related postoperative care are included in the 90-day global period. For other procedures in the same session, the highest-valued procedure is paid in full and the others are subject to the standard 50% multiple-procedure reduction. Modifier 50 is inappropriate for this code. Assistant-at-surgery services may be paid; co-surgeon payment requires supporting documentation, and team surgery is not permitted.