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See a sample rate comparisonHealthcare 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.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service Type | Surgery Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System |
| Complexity Level | Moderate |
| Medicare Fee Schedule | $338.69 national non-facility rate (2026) · View Medicare rates for 33281 |
| Medicaid Fee Schedule | $277.60 median of the 8 states in the free preview · View Medicaid rates for 33281 |
National average reimbursement for CPT 33281 by major payers:

$526.33

$588.12

$1,582.97

$645.25
Choose a payer to see a sample of rates for CPT 33281.
Christopher Raio
Samaritan Emergency Medical Services PC
Maria Klopfenstein
Deaconess Hospital Inc
Dion Gabaldon
Deaconess Hospital Inc
Heather Phelps
Deaconess Hospital Inc
Lauren Cage
Deaconess Hospital Inc
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Rate Benchmarking
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See a sample rate comparisonPayer Contract Negotiation
Use your fee schedule and market benchmarks to set target rates and draft a letter for your payer.
See a sample payer proposalCPT 33281 vs. Other Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System Codes
The CPT 33281 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 33281 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 33281-CPT | Moderate | Reposition Stimulator Lead, Surgery To Reposition A Lead For A Stimulation Device In The Phrenic Nerve To Improve Breathing Function. |
What is a fee schedule?
A fee schedule is a list of fixed prices that healthcare providers charge for specific services, including CPT 33281. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.
Understanding the 33281 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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