How To Use CPT Code 33507

CPT 33507 describes the repair of an anomalous (e.g., intramural) aortic origin of a coronary artery by unroofing or translocation. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 33507?

CPT 33507 can be used to describe a surgical procedure that involves the relocation of the opening or origin of an anomalous coronary artery arising from within the wall of the aorta. This procedure is performed to correct a rare condition that can lead to sudden cardiac death. The provider removes a portion of the artery wall and reconnects the aorta and coronary artery in a more anatomical position. Alternatively, the provider may create an opening in the coronary artery to connect it to the aorta.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33507 is: ‘Repair of anomalous (e.g., intramural) aortic origin of coronary artery by unroofing or translocation.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by making an incision in the chest, typically a median sternotomy.
2. After the patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized, the provider uses cold cardioplegia to arrest the heart and places the patient on cardiopulmonary bypass.
3. The provider identifies the vessel with the anomalous origin, which will have a narrow opening and arise from the aorta at an angle of less than 90 degrees.
4. In an unroofing procedure, the provider creates a hole through the wall of the aorta to connect the aortic lumen to the coronary artery lumen. Alternatively, the provider places a probe in the coronary artery and creates a hole to connect the two arteries, thus moving the vessel with the anomalous origin to a more appropriate anatomical location.
5. The provider removes the patient from cardiopulmonary bypass, checks for bleeding, and closes the incision in the chest.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 33507 is performed on patients with an anomalous coronary artery arising from within the wall of the aorta. The coronary artery will have a narrow opening and will take off from the aorta at an angle of less than 90 degrees. This procedure is typically performed to correct a rare condition that can result in sudden cardiac death.

5. When to use CPT code 33507

CPT code 33507 should be used when a provider performs a surgical repair of an anomalous (e.g., intramural) aortic origin of a coronary artery by unroofing or translocation. This code is appropriate when the procedure is performed to correct the specific condition described in the official description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 33507, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the surgical repair
• Details of the procedure performed, including whether unroofing or translocation was used
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional relevant information, such as the use of cardiopulmonary bypass or specific techniques employed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 33507, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria described in the official description. It is important to accurately document the details of the procedure and any additional relevant information. CPT code 33507 should not be reported with other codes unless specifically indicated. Follow the appropriate coding guidelines and modifiers when submitting the claim.

8. Historical information

CPT 33507 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2006. There have been no updates to the code since its addition. In 2017, it was added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes a surgical repair of an anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery by unroofing to correct a potentially life-threatening condition.
2. A provider performs a translocation procedure to relocate the opening of an anomalous coronary artery arising from within the wall of the aorta, ensuring proper blood flow and reducing the risk of sudden cardiac death.
3. During a surgical procedure, the provider creates an opening in the coronary artery and connects it to the aorta, correcting the anomalous origin and improving the patient’s cardiac health.
4. A patient with an intramural coronary artery undergoes a surgical repair by unroofing, allowing for proper blood flow and reducing the risk of complications.
5. A provider performs a translocation procedure to reposition an anomalous coronary artery, ensuring its proper connection to the aorta and reducing the risk of sudden cardiac death.
6. During a surgical procedure, the provider removes a portion of the artery wall and reconnects the aorta and coronary artery in a more anatomical position, correcting the anomalous origin and improving the patient’s cardiac function.
7. A patient undergoes a surgical repair of an intramural coronary artery by unroofing, correcting the abnormality and reducing the risk of complications.
8. A provider performs a translocation procedure to relocate the opening of an anomalous coronary artery arising from within the wall of the aorta, improving blood flow and reducing the risk of sudden cardiac death.
9. During a surgical procedure, the provider creates an opening in the coronary artery and connects it to the aorta, correcting the anomalous origin and improving the patient’s cardiac health.
10. A patient with an intramural coronary artery undergoes a surgical repair by unroofing, allowing for proper blood flow and reducing the risk of complications.