33503 Coronary artery graft
Also known as: single bypass graft, single CABG, one vessel bypass
Surgical placement of a single coronary artery bypass graft, typically using saphenous vein or arterial conduit to circumvent coronary obstruction.
In Plain Language
one bypass around blocked heart artery; single bypass surgery
Clinical Context
Performed for isolated stenosis of a major coronary artery with significant left ventricular myocardium at risk, providing improved long-term survival compared to medical management alone.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 21.95 |
| Total RVU | 21.95 |
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 21.95, this code ranks in the 85th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.7x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 33503?
CPT 33503 (Coronary artery graft) is a Surgery code. Surgical placement of a single coronary artery bypass graft, typically using saphenous vein or arterial conduit to circumvent coronary obstruction.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 33503?
The work RVU for CPT 33503 is 21.95. This code is primarily used by Cardiac Surgery, Thoracic Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 33503 used?
Performed for isolated stenosis of a major coronary artery with significant left ventricular myocardium at risk, providing improved long-term survival compared to medical management alone.
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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.