2025 CPT code 33572
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System Surgery Feed
Open coronary endarterectomy of the left anterior descending, circumflex, or right coronary artery, performed with a coronary artery bypass graft, per vessel.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure and the specific payer requirements.For example, modifiers may be used to indicate the use of anesthesia, or the extent of the procedure performed.
The medical necessity for this procedure is established through the presence of significant coronary artery disease (CAD) that impairs blood flow to the myocardium. The documentation must support the need for a CABG procedure and the need for endarterectomy during the CABG. Specific findings such as the degree of stenosis, presence of thrombus, and assessment of the overall vessel integrity must be documented.
The cardiac surgeon is primarily responsible for this procedure.The surgical team, including anesthesiologists, perfusionists, and surgical nurses, also participate.Pre-operative and postoperative care is provided by a range of medical professionals.
In simple words: This code describes a heart surgery where the doctor removes plaque from a blocked artery in the heart while also performing a coronary artery bypass graft.The doctor makes an incision, cleans out the blockage, and then closes the artery. This is done during the same surgery where the blocked artery is bypassed.
This CPT code, 33572, represents an open coronary endarterectomy procedure performed on either the left anterior descending, circumflex, or right coronary artery.This procedure is specifically done in conjunction with a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. The code is reported separately for each vessel involved in the endarterectomy.The procedure includes accessing the target coronary artery, making an incision, removing plaque, cleaning the vessel, closing the incisions, and managing any bleeding. It is integral to the overall CABG procedure and is performed during the same surgical session.The patient is typically on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).
Example 1: A patient presents with significant stenosis of the left anterior descending coronary artery and undergoes a CABG procedure.During the CABG, an open endarterectomy of the LAD is performed using code 33572. , A patient with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoes a CABG.Open endarterectomies are performed on both the right coronary artery and the circumflex artery (two separate codes 33572 would be reported)., A patient with severe CAD, including significant atherosclerotic disease in the LAD and circumflex arteries, needs a CABG. Open endarterectomies are performed on both arteries simultaneously during the CABG.Two codes 33572 are reported.
Complete medical history, including risk factors for CAD;Preoperative cardiac catheterization results; Operative report detailing the vessels accessed and the specifics of the endarterectomy; Intraoperative findings; Postoperative course of care including any complications; Discharge summary with follow-up instructions; Imaging studies (angiograms, echocardiograms) to support the medical necessity of the procedure.
** This code is specifically for open procedures.Percutaneous interventions will use different CPT codes.Accurate coding depends heavily on thorough documentation of the procedure performed.Always refer to the most current CPT manual and payer guidelines.
- Revenue Code: P2F (MAJOR PROCEDURE, CARDIOVASCULAR - OTHER)
- RVU: The RVUs for this code vary based on geographic location, facility type, and other factors. Consult a current relative value unit (RVU) database for the most accurate information.
- Global Days: The global period for this procedure is dependent on the overall CABG procedure and any additional procedures performed.Specific details must be obtained from local payers.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: This procedure does not typically involve a separate technical component (TC) modifier. The entire service is usually encompassed in the code.
- Fee Schedule: Historical fee schedule information is not available in the provided data. This information would depend on the year and location. Consult fee schedules and databases for specific historical data.
- Specialties:Cardiothoracic Surgery, Cardiovascular Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center