How To Use CPT Code 33533

CPT 33533 describes the procedure of coronary artery bypass using a single arterial graft. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 33533?

CPT 33533 is used to describe the surgical procedure of coronary artery bypass using a single arterial graft. This code is used when the provider diverts blood flow from a damaged vessel in the heart by grafting a segment of an artery from another location, such as the chest or abdomen, to restore circulation, improve heart function, and alleviate symptoms like angina.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 33533 is: ‘Coronary artery bypass, using arterial graft(s); single arterial graft.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by making a midline sternotomy incision through the breastbone.
2. Aortic and venous cannulas are inserted to establish cardiopulmonary bypass, or machine circulation.
3. A cardioplegia solution is injected to stop the heart for the procedure.
4. A single arterial graft, typically from the internal mammary artery in the chest, is harvested and attached to its blood supply.
5. The arterial graft is then grafted to an appropriate location on the side of the diseased vessel.
6. The patient is weaned off the bypass pump.
7. The provider irrigates the area, checks for bleeding, removes any instruments, and closes the incision in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients who require coronary artery bypass using a single arterial graft are eligible for CPT 33533. This procedure is typically performed on individuals with angina pectoris, which is characterized by episodes of severe chest pain due to insufficient blood supply to the heart. The provider must use a single arterial graft, usually harvested from the internal mammary artery, to restore blood flow to the affected area of the heart.

5. When to use CPT code 33533

CPT code 33533 should be used when the provider performs a coronary artery bypass using a single arterial graft. This code is appropriate when the procedure involves grafting a segment of an artery from another location to restore blood flow to the heart. It should not be used for procedures involving multiple arterial grafts or other types of grafts.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 33533, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for coronary artery bypass
• Details of the procedure, including the use of a single arterial graft
• Date of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 33533, ensure that the procedure involves the use of a single arterial graft. Do not report this code if multiple arterial grafts or other types of grafts are used. It is important to accurately document the procedure and any associated complications or additional procedures performed. Follow the appropriate coding guidelines and modifiers when reporting CPT 33533.

8. Historical information

CPT 33533 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1993. The code has not undergone any updates since its addition. In 2017, it was added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare reimbursement.

9. Examples

1. A patient with angina undergoes coronary artery bypass using a single arterial graft to restore blood flow to the heart.
2. A provider performs a coronary artery bypass using a single arterial graft on a patient with severe coronary artery disease.
3. During a surgical procedure, a single arterial graft is used to bypass a blocked coronary artery in a patient with angina.
4. A provider performs a coronary artery bypass using a single arterial graft to alleviate symptoms of angina in a patient with multiple blocked arteries.
5. A patient with a history of heart disease undergoes coronary artery bypass using a single arterial graft to improve heart function and alleviate chest pain.
6. A provider performs a coronary artery bypass using a single arterial graft on a patient with a high risk of heart attack.
7. During a surgical procedure, a single arterial graft is used to bypass a blocked coronary artery and improve blood flow to the heart.
8. A patient with severe coronary artery disease undergoes coronary artery bypass using a single arterial graft to restore blood flow and improve heart function.
9. A provider performs a coronary artery bypass using a single arterial graft on a patient with unstable angina.
10. During a surgical procedure, a single arterial graft is used to bypass a blocked coronary artery and alleviate symptoms of angina in a patient with heart disease.