How To Use CPT Code 33530

CPT 33530 describes the reoperation of a coronary artery bypass procedure or valve procedure that occurs more than one month after the original surgery. 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 33530?

CPT 33530 can be used to describe the reoperation of a coronary artery bypass procedure or valve procedure that takes place more than one month after the initial surgery. This code is used when the provider needs to repeat the original surgical procedure due to the failure of the initial procedure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33530 is: ‘Reoperation, coronary artery bypass procedure or valve procedure, more than 1 month after original operation (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’ This code should be used in conjunction with the appropriate code for the primary procedure being repeated.

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient for the reoperation, ensuring they are appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider reopens the original incision in the chest, taking into account the partial healing of the tissues.
3. The provider repeats the original surgical procedure, facing increased difficulty due to the partial healing of the tissues.
4. At the completion of the procedure, the provider irrigates the area, checks for bleeding, removes any instruments, and closes the incision.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 33530 is used when the provider needs to repeat a coronary artery bypass procedure or valve procedure more than one month after the original surgery. This typically occurs due to the failure of the initial procedure. The patient must have undergone the primary procedure and now requires a reoperation.

5. When to use CPT code 33530

CPT code 33530 should be used when the provider needs to perform a reoperation of a coronary artery bypass procedure or valve procedure more than one month after the original surgery. It is important to note that this code should be reported in addition to the code for the primary procedure being repeated.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 33530, the provider must document the following information:

• Confirmation of the need for a reoperation due to the failure of the initial procedure
• Date of the reoperation
• Details of the procedure performed during the reoperation
• Any complications or difficulties encountered during the reoperation
• Confirmation of the closure of the incision

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 33530, ensure that the provider is performing a reoperation of a coronary artery bypass procedure or valve procedure more than one month after the original surgery. This code should be reported in addition to the code for the primary procedure being repeated. It is important to note that Medicare considers this procedure as an inpatient-only service.

8. Historical information

CPT 33530 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1991. The code has undergone changes, including a code change on January 1, 2010, which revised the description of the procedure. Additionally, CPT 33530 was added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list by Medicare in 2017.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes a coronary artery bypass procedure, but the graft fails after one month, requiring a reoperation to repeat the procedure.
2. Following a valve procedure, the patient experiences complications, necessitating a reoperation to address the issues.
3. A patient undergoes a coronary artery bypass procedure, but the bypass graft becomes occluded after one month, requiring a reoperation to restore blood flow.
4. After a valve procedure, the patient develops a leak, leading to the need for a reoperation to repair the valve.
5. A patient undergoes a coronary artery bypass procedure, but the bypass graft becomes infected after one month, necessitating a reoperation to remove the infected graft and perform a new graft.
6. Following a valve procedure, the patient experiences valve stenosis, requiring a reoperation to address the narrowing of the valve.
7. A patient undergoes a coronary artery bypass procedure, but the bypass graft becomes blocked after one month, necessitating a reoperation to clear the blockage.
8. After a valve procedure, the patient develops regurgitation, leading to the need for a reoperation to correct the backflow of blood.
9. A patient undergoes a coronary artery bypass procedure, but the bypass graft becomes aneurysmal after one month, requiring a reoperation to repair the aneurysm.
10. Following a valve procedure, the patient experiences valve thrombosis, necessitating a reoperation to remove the blood clot and restore proper valve function.