Which code(s) should be reported for a thoracotomy to implant a patient-activated cardiac event recorder?

The correct code for a thoracotomy to implant a patient-activated cardiac event recorder is 33285. This code specifically describes the procedure involving the implantation of an insertable cardiac event recorder, which is a device used for detecting arrhythmias over time. The thoracotomy approach indicates that the incision is made in the chest wall to gain access to the thoracic cavity, making this code appropriate for such a surgical intervention.

In this coding context, each choice represents a different procedure:

• 33512 refers to a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) which involves bypassing occluded coronary arteries, not related to an event recorder.

• 32606 is used for a thoracotomy procedure aimed at open drainage of a pleural effusion or similar thoracic procedures, and does not apply to the implantation of cardiac devices.

• 47562 relates to a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which is a procedure for gallbladder removal, entirely unrelated to thoracic procedures or cardiac event recorders.

Thus, the choice of 33285 is accurate and highlights the specific nature of the intervention regarding cardiac monitoring.