icd-10 code for watchman procedure

by Mr. Norbert VonRueden 8 min read

02L73DK

What is the CPT code for Watchman procedure?

Current procedural terminology (CPT) code 33340 is used to bill for the procedure to place the WATCHMAN device.

What is the Watchman procedure?

Left atrial appendage closure

The WATCHMAN implant device is about the size of a quarter and shaped like a parachute. It is implanted into the heart to close off the left atrial appendage (LAA), a blind pouch of heart tissue to prevent blood clots from forming and causing a stroke.

Is watchman a surgical procedure?

The left atrial appendage occlusion/Watchman procedure is among the newest surgical procedures available to prevent A-fib-related stroke.

Is the Watchman device a stent?

WATCHMAN is implanted like a stent, by means of a narrow tube inserted through a small cut in your upper leg. Your doctor will then guide WATCHMAN into your heart. The procedure is done under general anesthesia and takes about an hour. Patients commonly stay in the hospital overnight and leave the next day.

Who performs the Watchman procedure?

Implantation of the WATCHMAN FLX Device should only be performed by interventional cardiologists and/ or electrophysiologists who are trained in percutaneous and transseptal procedures and who have completed the WATCHMAN FLX Physician Training program.

When was the Watchman procedure developed?

The most intensely studied device has been the Watchman Left Atrial Appendage Closure System, designed by Atritech (which was later acquired by Boston Scientific) and first implanted in human subjects in 2002.Mar 12, 2015

Who qualifies for Watchman device?

Eligible patients must: Have an increased risk for stroke and be recommended for anticoagulation (CHA2DS2-VASc ≥ 2 for men, ≥ 3 for women)* Be suitable for short-term oral anticoagulation. Have an appropriate reason to seek a non-pharmacologic alternative to OACs.

How long is Watchman procedure?

The procedure, called left atrial appendage closure (LAAC), is designed to reduce your risk of stroke by preventing blood from pooling in the left atrial appendage and creating blood clots. The procedure usually takes one hour, but the preparation and recovery time may add several hours.

Who is a Watchman?

Definition of watchman

: a person who keeps watch : guard.

What is the difference between Watchman and Watchman FLX?

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device with Delivery System (WATCHMAN device) and WATCHMAN FLX Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device with Delivery System (WATCHMAN FLX device) are permanently implanted devices intended to prevent blood clots in the left atrial appendage (LAA) from entering the bloodstream.Aug 11, 2020

What is the difference between Watchman and amulet?

“The Watchman is a single-closure, mushroom-looking device, whereas the Amulet device has a dual closure mechanism with an inner lobe and hooks that engage with the left atrial appendage wall connected to an outer disc with a small waist,” Lakkireddy said.Aug 30, 2021

Which is safer eliquis or Watchman?

Apixaban (Eliquis) was the safest, followed by edoxaban (Savaysa), dabigatran (Pradaxa), warfarin (Coumadin) and then rivaroxaban (Xarelto); the Watchman device ranked last. The Watchman device has been advertised heavily, both to the public, in medical journals, and at medical conferences.Jul 4, 2019

What is the CPT code for Watchman implant?

Effective January 1, 2017, physicians will report the WATCHMAN implant procedure using the CPT Code 33340. The work relative value unit (RVU) for this code is 14.00 with a total RVU of 23.22. The global period for this code is 0 days.

Is the Watchman procedure inpatient or outpatient?

The WATCHMAN procedure is designated by Medicare as an inpatient only procedure. Therefore, no C- code is assigned to the WATCHMAN Device. C-codes are reported for device-intensive procedures performed in the outpatient hospital site of service.

What is the RVU code for left atrial appendage closure?

The code used by physicians to report left atrial appendage closure with implant procedures is 33340. This code has a total RVU value of 23.22 with a work RVU of 14.0, This RVU value correlates to a national average physician payment of approximately $833.

What is the role of TEE in Watchman?

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) plays a critical role in visualization and assisting with appropriate candidacy for the WATCHMAN Device. Based on our Directions for Use, the WATCHMAN procedure involves use of TEE imaging as follows:

What is prior authorization?

Prior authorization is a process established by commercial insurance plans that allows a physician to submit a treatment plan prior to surgery. The insurer reviews the treatment plan as well as the patient’s insurance benefits and medical policies to determine if the treatment is covered and the applicable patient responsibility (e.g., coinsurance and/or copay, deductibles, and out-of-pocket amounts). As prior authorization processes vary by insurer, it is important to contact insurance plans and follow their specific requirements.

Does Boston Scientific provide reimbursement?

This information is provided for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute reimbursement or legal advice. Boston Scientific encourages providers to submit accurate and appropriate claims for services. It is always the provider's responsibility to determine medical necessity, the proper site for delivery of any services and to submit appropriate codes, charges, and modifiers for services that are rendered. Boston Scientific recommends that you consult with your payers, reimbursement specialists and/or legal counsel regarding coding, coverage and reimbursement matters. Boston Scientific does not promote the use of its products outside their FDA-approved label.

What is Boston Scientific?

Boston Scientific is dedicated to providing physicians, allied health professionals and hospitals with world-class programs and services to help advance the standard of patient care and appropriate access to life-enhancing technologies.

What is the CPT code for Watchman implant?

Effective January 1, 2017, physicians will report the WATCHMAN implant procedure using the CPT Code 33340. The work relative value unit (RVU) for this code is 14.00 with a total RVU of 23.22. The global period for this code is 0 days.

Is the Watchman procedure inpatient or outpatient?

The WATCHMAN procedure is designated by Medicare as an inpatient only procedure. Therefore, no C- code is assigned to the WATCHMAN Device. C-codes are reported for device-intensive procedures performed in the outpatient hospital site of service.

What is the RVU code for left atrial appendage closure?

The code used by physicians to report left atrial appendage closure with implant procedures is 33340. This code has a total RVU value of 23.22 with a work RVU of 14.0, This RVU value correlates to a national average physician payment of approximately $833.

What is the role of TEE in Watchman?

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) plays a critical role in visualization and assisting with appropriate candidacy for the WATCHMAN Device. Based on our Directions for Use, the WATCHMAN procedure involves use of TEE imaging as follows:

Does Boston Scientific provide reimbursement?

This information is provided for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute reimbursement or legal advice. Boston Scientific encourages providers to submit accurate and appropriate claims for services. It is always the provider's responsibility to determine medical necessity, the proper site for delivery of any services and to submit appropriate codes, charges, and modifiers for services that are rendered. Boston Scientific recommends that you consult with your payers, reimbursement specialists and/or legal counsel regarding coding, coverage and reimbursement matters. Boston Scientific does not promote the use of its products outside their FDA-approved label.

What is Boston Scientific?

Boston Scientific is dedicated to providing physicians, allied health professionals and hospitals with world-class programs and services to help advance the standard of patient care and appropriate access to life-enhancing technologies.

When an inpatient hospital WATCHMAN device admission follows a previous inpatient admission for a related or unrelated

When an inpatient hospital WATCHMAN device admission follows a previous inpatient admission for a related or unrelated procedure, readmission policies may apply. A quality review may be triggered and warrant a case review to evaluate combining the inpatient admissions. Each case is specific to clinical circumstances for each admission.

When will the ICD-10-CM update be released?

Updates to ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes related to Atrial Fibrillation were announced in the FY 2020 IPPS Final Rule and were effective as of October 1, 2019. Updates are described in CMS 2382, change reques t #114 91.

What is the LAAO registry?

CMS has certified the LAAO Registry (NCT02699957) as the national registry for data collection for LAAC procedures. The long-term data collection supports CMS’s coverage with evidence development (CED) to ensure better visibility of safety and effectiveness of LAAC procedures.

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