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See a sample rate comparisonCPT 33020 Fee Schedule
Last Verified: October 2026
Healthcare providers use this code to document and receive reimbursement for visits that address high-level medical decision-making, often including multiple diagnoses or prescription management.
Pericardiotomy For Removal Of, Pericardiotomy For Removal Of Clot Or Foreign Body(Primary Procedure) Pericardiotomy For Removal O F Clot Or Foreign Body (Primary
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service Type | Surgery Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System |
| Common Place of Service | 21 - Inpatient Hospital 23 - Emergency Room 22 - On Campus Outpatient Hospital |
| Common Modifiers | 51 - Multiple procedures AS - PA/NP/CNS assistant at surgery |
| Complexity Level | High |
| Medicare Fee Schedule | $783.59 national non-facility rate (2026) · View Medicare rates for 33020 |
| Medicaid Fee Schedule | $613.80 median of the 8 states in the free preview · View Medicaid rates for 33020 |
National average reimbursement for CPT 33020 by major payers:
$1,064.35
$1,164.72
$1,221.47
$1,356.55
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CPT 33020
5 of 25 sample ratesHigher to lower in this preview
Chippenham Ambulatory Surgery Center, LLC
Chippenham Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC
$2,812.00Published rateTitusville Center For Surgical Excellence LLC
Titusville Center For Surgical
$1,028.00Published ratePiney Orchard Surgery Center, LLC.
Piney Orchard Surgery Center
$644.00Published rateArkansas Otolaryngology Center, P.A., Aoc Surgery Center, Inc
Arkansas Otolaryngology Center, P.A.
$325.00Published rateNemg Gastroenterology LLC, Fairfield County Endoscopy Center
$172.00Published rate
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See a sample payer proposalCPT 33020 vs. Other Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System Codes
The CPT 33020 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 33020 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 |
| 33020-CPT | High | Pericardiotomy For Removal Of, Pericardiotomy For Removal Of Clot Or Foreign Body(Primary Procedure) Pericardiotomy For Removal O F Clot Or Foreign Body (Primary |
What is a fee schedule?
A fee schedule is a list of fixed prices that healthcare providers charge for specific services, including CPT 33020. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.
Understanding the 33020 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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