How To Use CPT Code 33519

CPT 33519 describes the procedure of coronary artery bypass using three venous grafts and arterial grafts. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 33519?

CPT 33519 is used to describe a specific procedure known as coronary artery bypass grafting. This procedure involves diverting blood flow from damaged vessels in the heart by grafting three vein segments taken from another location, such as the leg. The purpose of this procedure is to restore circulation, improve heart function, and alleviate symptoms like angina.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33519 is: ‘Coronary artery bypass, using venous graft(s) and arterial graft(s); 3 venous grafts (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’ This code should be used in conjunction with other codes for primary procedures.

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by preparing the patient for the coronary artery bypass grafting procedure, ensuring they are appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. During the procedure, the provider harvests three vein segments, typically from the saphenous vein in the leg, which will be used as grafts.
3. After completing arterial grafting, the provider attaches the distal end of the prepared saphenous veins to appropriate locations on the side of the diseased target vessels and the proximal ends to holes punched in the aorta.
4. The provider then continues with the primary procedure, reversing cardioplegia and weaning the patient from cardiopulmonary bypass.
5. Once the primary procedure is complete, the provider irrigates the area, checks for bleeding, removes any instruments, and closes the incision.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 33519 is performed on patients who require coronary artery bypass grafting and have suitable vein segments available for grafting. The procedure is typically performed in conjunction with arterial grafting. Patients may have conditions such as angina pectoris, which causes severe chest pain due to insufficient blood supply to the heart.

5. When to use CPT code 33519

CPT code 33519 should be used when a provider performs coronary artery bypass grafting using three venous grafts and arterial grafts. This code should be used in addition to the code for the primary procedure. It is important to note that CPT code 33519 is an add-on code and must be reported with an appropriate primary procedure code for venous or arterial grafting.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 33519, the provider must document the following information:

• Indication for coronary artery bypass grafting
• Details of the procedure, including the number and type of grafts used
• Date of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 33519, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for coronary artery bypass grafting using three venous grafts and arterial grafts. It is important to report this code in addition to the primary procedure code. Pay attention to any specific guidelines provided by payers regarding the use of this code.

8. Historical information

CPT code 33519 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1993. There have been some changes to the code over the years, including updates to the description and inclusion in the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes coronary artery bypass grafting using three venous grafts and arterial grafts to improve blood flow to the heart and alleviate symptoms of angina.
2. A provider performs coronary artery bypass grafting using three venous grafts and arterial grafts on a patient with severe coronary artery disease.
3. During a coronary artery bypass grafting procedure, the provider utilizes three venous grafts and arterial grafts to bypass blocked coronary arteries and restore blood flow to the heart.
4. A patient with angina undergoes coronary artery bypass grafting using three venous grafts and arterial grafts to alleviate chest pain and improve heart function.
5. A provider performs coronary artery bypass grafting using three venous grafts and arterial grafts on a patient with multiple blocked coronary arteries.
6. During a coronary artery bypass grafting procedure, the provider uses three venous grafts and arterial grafts to bypass narrowed or blocked coronary arteries and improve blood flow to the heart.
7. A patient with significant coronary artery disease undergoes coronary artery bypass grafting using three venous grafts and arterial grafts to restore blood flow to the heart and improve overall cardiac function.
8. A provider performs coronary artery bypass grafting using three venous grafts and arterial grafts on a patient with complex coronary artery lesions.
9. During a coronary artery bypass grafting procedure, the provider utilizes three venous grafts and arterial grafts to bypass obstructed coronary arteries and improve blood supply to the heart.
10. A patient with severe angina undergoes coronary artery bypass grafting using three venous grafts and arterial grafts to alleviate chest pain and improve quality of life.