33533
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG)
Code Description
CPT code 33533 is used to report coronary artery bypass grafting using a single arterial graft. During the procedure, the surgeon creates a new pathway around a blocked coronary artery using an arterial vessel, allowing blood to reach heart muscle beyond the blockage.
Coronary artery bypass surgery is commonly performed in patients with significant coronary artery disease when blood flow to the heart is severely restricted.
When to Use 33533
Common examples include:
coronary artery disease
severe arterial blockage
angina
multivessel coronary disease
reduced blood flow to the heart
Documentation Requirements
Documentation should include:
diagnosis requiring bypass surgery
graft type utilized
coronary artery treated
operative findings
number of bypass grafts performed
Common Billing Mistakes
Common billing mistakes include:
incorrect graft count reporting
failure to document arterial graft use
incomplete operative reports
incorrect bypass procedure selection
insufficient documentation of treated vessels
Related CPT Codes
33517
Venous Coronary Artery Bypass Graft
33534
Two Arterial Grafts
33535
Three Arterial Grafts
FAQ
What is a coronary artery bypass graft?
A CABG creates a new route for blood to flow around blocked coronary arteries.
Why is CABG performed?
The procedure improves blood flow to the heart muscle in patients with significant coronary artery disease.
What is an arterial graft?
An arterial graft uses a healthy artery, often the internal mammary artery, to bypass a blocked coronary vessel.
Is CABG considered open heart surgery?
Yes. Coronary artery bypass grafting is one of the most common forms of open heart surgery.
Procedure Type
Coronary Artery Bypass
Body Area
Technique
Coronary Arteries
Arterial Graft Bypass
