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See a sample rate comparisonCPT 33981 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.
Replace Heart Support Device, Replacement Of One Or More External Pumps For A Device That Pumps Blood From The Heart Lower Chambers (Ventricles) When They Have Weakened Or Failed. This Device Is Usually Replaced By An Artificial Heart Or A Transplant.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service Type | Surgery Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System |
| Common Place of Service | 21 - Inpatient Hospital 22 - On Campus Outpatient Hospital 11 - Office |
| Common Modifiers | 78 - Return to OR - related procedure AS - PA/NP/CNS assistant at surgery |
| Complexity Level | High |
| Medicare Fee Schedule | $757.87 national non-facility rate (2026) · View Medicare rates for 33981 |
| Medicaid Fee Schedule | $650.335 median of the 8 states in the free preview · View Medicaid rates for 33981 |
National average reimbursement for CPT 33981 by major payers:
$1,077.62
$1,326.22
$1,208.82
$1,372.08
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CPT 33981
5 of 25 sample ratesHigher to lower in this preview
Nmc Surgery Center, L.P., The Surgery Center Of Nacogdoches
Nmc Surgery Center Lp
$8,225.00Published rateDenver Surgicenter, LLC
$2,302.00Published rateStark Ambulatory Surgery Center, LLC
Stark Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC
$1,064.00Published ratePolaris Center For Outpatient Spine Surgery
$650.00Published rateLaser Surgery Holding Company, Ltd
Laser Surgery Holding Company Lt
$110.00Published rate
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See a sample payer proposalCPT 33981 vs. Other Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System Codes
The CPT 33981 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 33981 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 33981-CPT | High | Replace Heart Support Device, Replacement Of One Or More External Pumps For A Device That Pumps Blood From The Heart Lower Chambers (Ventricles) When They Have Weakened Or Failed. This Device Is Usually Replaced By An Artificial Heart Or A Transplant. |
| 33982-CPT | High | Replace Heart Support Device, Replacement Of One Or More External Pumps For A Device That Pumps Blood From The Heart Lower Chambers (Ventricles) When They Have Weakened Or Failed. This Device Is Usually Replaced By An Artificial Heart Or A Transplant. |
| 33983-CPT | High | Replace Heart Support Device, Replacement Of One Or More External Pumps For A Device That Pumps Blood From The Heart Lower Chambers (Ventricles) When They Have Weakened Or Failed. This Device Is Usually Replaced By An Artificial Heart Or A Transplant. |
| 33984-CPT | Moderate | Ecmo Ecls Rmvl Prph Cannula, Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Ecmo Extracorporeal Life Support Ecls Provided By Physician Removal Of Peripheral Arterial And Or Venous Cannula E Open 6 Years And Older |
What is a fee schedule?
A fee schedule is a list of fixed prices that healthcare providers charge for specific services, including CPT 33981. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.
Understanding the 33981 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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