2025 CPT code 33517
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System Feed
Coronary artery bypass using one arterial and one venous graft.
Modifiers may be used, such as modifier 80 for an assistant surgeon assisting in graft procurement. Refer to CPT guidelines and NCCI edits for appropriate modifier usage.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of significant coronary artery disease causing debilitating symptoms (e.g., angina) refractory to medical management.Documentation should clearly show the need for revascularization to improve cardiac function and alleviate symptoms.
The surgeon is responsible for harvesting the vein graft, performing the arterial graft(s), performing the venous graft anastomosis to the aorta and target coronary artery,managing cardiopulmonary bypass (if used), and closing the incision. An assistant surgeon may participate (modifier 80).
In simple words: This code describes heart surgery where the doctor uses a vein from the leg and an artery to bypass blocked heart arteries, improving blood flow and heart function.
This CPT code, 33517, reports a coronary artery bypass grafting procedure involving a single vein graft and at least one arterial graft.The saphenous vein graft procurement is included in this code and should not be billed separately.This code is always used in conjunction with codes 33533-33536 (arterial graft codes) to accurately reflect the combined arterial-venous grafting performed.
Example 1: A patient presents with significant angina and diagnostic testing reveals significant stenosis in the left anterior descending artery and circumflex artery. The surgeon performs a CABG using the left internal mammary artery to bypass the LAD and a saphenous vein graft to bypass the circumflex. Code 33517 is reported with the appropriate arterial graft code (e.g., 33533 or 33534) to reflect the combined arterial and venous grafting., A patient undergoes a CABG procedure. Three arterial grafts and two venous grafts are placed. The surgeon uses the radial artery for one arterial graft. This requires reporting 33517 (or another appropriate combined arterial-venous code), the applicable arterial codes for the other arterial grafts, and 33509 for harvesting of the radial artery. , A patient with severe multivessel coronary artery disease undergoes a CABG. The surgeon uses two internal mammary artery grafts and one saphenous vein graft.Code 33517 is reported along with the appropriate code(s) for the arterial grafts.
Operative report detailing the number and type of grafts used (arterial and venous), specific location of harvested vessels, and whether cardiopulmonary bypass was used.Preoperative diagnostic studies (angiograms) showing coronary artery disease. Anesthesia records.Patient demographics and consent forms.
** Always refer to the most current CPT manual for definitive coding guidelines and any updates.This code's usage is highly dependent on the specifics of the surgical procedure performed. Accurate documentation is essential for appropriate reimbursement.
- Revenue Code: P2A (MAJOR PROCEDURE, CARDIOVASCULAR - CABG)
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable. This is a comprehensive procedure.
- Specialties:Cardiothoracic Surgery, Cardiovascular Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center