33875 Thoracic aortic graft
Also known as: Descending aortic graft, thoracic aorta repair, descending thoracic graft
Thoracic aortic graft; surgical replacement of the descending thoracic aorta with a prosthetic graft to address aneurysm, dissection, rupture, or other pathology of the thoracic aorta.
In Plain Language
Surgery to replace lower aorta; Thoracic aorta replacement
Clinical Context
Performed for chronic descending thoracic aortic disease including aneurysm, dissection, and atherosclerotic pathology. Left heart bypass or femoral-femoral bypass may be used to maintain distal perfusion.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 49.45 |
| Total RVU | 49.45 |
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 49.45, this code ranks in the 99th percentile among Surgery codes — 6.2x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 33875?
CPT 33875 (Thoracic aortic graft) is a Surgery code. Thoracic aortic graft; surgical replacement of the descending thoracic aorta with a prosthetic graft to address aneurysm, dissection, rupture, or other pathology of the thoracic aorta.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 33875?
The work RVU for CPT 33875 is 49.45. This code is primarily used by Cardiac Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 33875 used?
Performed for chronic descending thoracic aortic disease including aneurysm, dissection, and atherosclerotic pathology. Left heart bypass or femoral-femoral bypass may be used to maintain distal perfusion.
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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.