33521 Cabg artery-vein four
Also known as: quadruple arterial-vein CABG, four arterial one vein bypass, predominantly arterial CABG
Surgical placement of four arterial and one venous coronary artery bypass graft, maximizing arterial utilization for comprehensive multivessel disease.
In Plain Language
four artery grafts and one vein graft
Clinical Context
Employed in select patients requiring four vessel arterial grafting with one venous supplement; maximizes long-term graft patency and reduces need for repeat intervention.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 12.28 |
| Total RVU | 12.28 |
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. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 12.28, this code ranks in the 66th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.5x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 33521?
CPT 33521 (Cabg artery-vein four) is a Surgery code. Surgical placement of four arterial and one venous coronary artery bypass graft, maximizing arterial utilization for comprehensive multivessel disease.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 33521?
The work RVU for CPT 33521 is 12.28. This code is primarily used by Cardiac Surgery, Thoracic Surgery.
When is CPT 33521 used?
Employed in select patients requiring four vessel arterial grafting with one venous supplement; maximizes long-term graft patency and reduces need for repeat intervention.
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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.