33321 Repair major vessel
Also known as: major vessel repair, aortic repair with specific technique
Repair of a major blood vessel of the heart or aorta with specific technique or complexity, primary repair approach.
In Plain Language
repairing a large heart blood vessel with specific technique
Clinical Context
Used for complex vessel injuries requiring specific repair techniques.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 20.29 |
| Total RVU | 20.29 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
As a surgical CPT code, proper documentation must include the operative report detailing the procedure performed, patient positioning, approach, findings, and any complications. This code has a 90-day global period, which includes the day of the procedure, 1 day preoperative, and 90 days of postoperative care. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 20.29, this code ranks in the 82nd percentile among Surgery codes — 2.5x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 33321?
CPT 33321 (Repair major vessel) is a Surgery code. Repair of a major blood vessel of the heart or aorta with specific technique or complexity, primary repair approach.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 33321?
The work RVU for CPT 33321 is 20.29. This code is primarily used by Cardiac Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 33321 used?
Used for complex vessel injuries requiring specific repair techniques.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.