Which CPT® codes are correct for a patient undergoing mitral valve repair and aortic valve replacement?

In the context of coding for surgical procedures, particularly those involving the heart valves, it's essential to select codes that accurately reflect the procedures performed. For a patient undergoing mitral valve repair and aortic valve replacement, the correct choice reflects the specific procedures performed based on the established CPT® coding guidelines.

The code 33426 refers to the mitral valve repair, which is the procedure being performed on the mitral valve. This code specifically captures the nuances of a surgical repair, distinguishing it from other interventions. The aortic valve replacement is captured by the code 33405, which covers both the replacement of the valve itself and any necessary associated procedures.

The modifier "51" indicates that multiple procedures were performed during the same session, allowing for proper billing and reimbursement without any issues regarding the fact that more than one surgical procedure was conducted. This is particularly important for cases where billing policies require clarity when multiple surgical procedures are considered.

Together, these codes accurately represent the actions taken during surgery: repairing the mitral valve while simultaneously replacing the aortic valve, ensuring compliance with coding guidelines and capturing the full scope of the surgical intervention.