Insertion of new or replacement of permanent pacemaker pulse generator only; with existing transvenous electrode(s)

CPT 33208 is the billing code for "Insertion of new or replacement of permanent pacemaker pulse generator only; with existing transvenous electrode(s)". For replacement of pacemaker pulse generator only with existing leads

Medicare pays approximately $494.90 for CPT 33208 (national average). Actual payment varies by geographic location due to GPCI adjustments. Hospital and commercial insurance rates are typically 2-4x higher than Medicare rates.

CPT 33208 has a total RVU of 15.35, broken down as: Work RVU 6.50, Practice Expense RVU 8.20, and Malpractice RVU 0.65. RVUs (Relative Value Units) determine Medicare reimbursement rates.

Key documentation requirements for CPT 33208 include: Indication for generator replacement; Pacemaker type and model; Existing lead status; Threshold testing results. Missing or incomplete documentation is a leading cause of claim denials for this code.

Bundling considerations for CPT 33208: Includes generator replacement only. Includes generator programming Use an NCCI bundling checker to verify specific code combinations before billing.

Common modifiers for CPT 33208 include: 22 (Increased procedural services for complex cases), 51 (Multiple procedures performed same session), 52 (Reduced services if procedure not completed). Modifiers indicate special circumstances and can affect reimbursement or prevent claim denials.

The typical time requirement for CPT 33208 is 30-45 minutes typical operative time. Time-based codes require documentation of the actual time spent providing the service.