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See a sample rate comparisonCPT 33018 Fee Schedule
Last Verified: October 2026
Healthcare providers use this code to document and receive reimbursement for visits that address moderate-level medical decision-making, often including multiple diagnoses or prescription management.
Prcrd Drg 0 5yr Or W Anomly, Pericardial Drainage With Insertion Of Indwelling Catheter Percutaneous Including Fluoroscopy And Or Ultrasound Guidance When Performed Birth Through 5 Years Of Age Or Any Age With Congenital Cardiac Anomaly
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service Type | Surgery Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System |
| Common Place of Service | 21 - Inpatient Hospital 22 - On Campus Outpatient Hospital |
| Common Modifiers | GC - Service performed by resident under supervision 63 |
| Complexity Level | Moderate |
| Medicare Fee Schedule | $251.51 national non-facility rate (2026) · View Medicare rates for 33018 |
| Medicaid Fee Schedule | $193.97 median of the 8 states in the free preview · View Medicaid rates for 33018 |
National average reimbursement for CPT 33018 by major payers:
$384.21
$393.20
$403.25
$461.99
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CPT 33018
5 of 25 sample ratesHigher to lower in this preview
San Antonio Surgery Center, The Center For Special Surgery @ Tca
$2,732.00Published rateHss Palm Beach Ambulatory Surgery Center, LLC
Hss Palm Beach Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC
$1,049.00Published rateNorthwest Community Day Surgery Center II LLC
$625.00Published rateRuxton Surgicenter LLC
$413.00Published rateAmbulatory Foot And Ankle Center, Inc.
Ambulatory Foot And Ankle Center Inc
$183.00Published rate
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See a sample payer proposalCPT 33018 vs. Other Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System Codes
The CPT 33018 code is part of the Surgery services used for Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System. It represents a moderate-complexity encounter and is one of several codes that vary based on time spent, level of medical decision-making, and documentation requirements.
The CPT 33018 code involves more provider time and moderate medical decision-making, unlike lower-level codes that require less time and simpler assessments. It typically includes multiple diagnoses, medication management, or test interpretation, leading to higher reimbursement and more detailed documentation requirements.
| Code | Complexity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 33016-CPT | Moderate | Remove Fluid From Around Heart, Surgery To Drain Fluid That Has Built Up In The Sac Around The Heart. |
| 33017-CPT | Moderate | Prcrd Drg 6yr W O Cgen Car, Pericardial Drainage With Insertion Of Indwelling Catheter Percutaneous Including Fluoroscopy And Or Ultrasound Guidance When Performed 6 Years And Older Without Congenital Cardiac Anomaly |
| 33018-CPT | Moderate | Prcrd Drg 0 5yr Or W Anomly, Pericardial Drainage With Insertion Of Indwelling Catheter Percutaneous Including Fluoroscopy And Or Ultrasound Guidance When Performed Birth Through 5 Years Of Age Or Any Age With Congenital Cardiac Anomaly |
| 33019-CPT | Moderate | Perq Prcrd Drg Insj Cath Ct, Drainage Of Heart Sac With Insertion Of Catheter Accessed Through Skin Using Imaging Guidance Using Ct Imaging Guidance |
What is a fee schedule?
A fee schedule is a list of fixed prices that healthcare providers charge for specific services, including CPT 33018. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.
Understanding the 33018 fee schedule helps patients estimate costs and providers optimize billing for accurate reimbursements.
Factors that affect fee schedules
Medicare & Medicaid Rates
Government-set reimbursement amounts
Private Insurance Rates
Negotiated rates between providers and insurance companies
Geographic Location
Costs may be higher in urban areas.
Provider Type
Hospital providers may have different rates than private practice.
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