33916 Surgery of great vessel
Also known as: Great vessel surgery, vascular reconstruction, major vessel repair
Cardiac surgery of great vessels including operations on aorta, pulmonary artery, superior/inferior vena cava, or their branches; complex great vessel reconstruction or repair.
In Plain Language
Heart surgery on major blood vessels; Major vascular surgery
Clinical Context
Umbrella code for complex great vessel operations not specifically defined by other codes. Includes atypical repairs, hybrid approaches, and combined procedures.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 76.05 |
| Total RVU | 76.05 |
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 76.05, this code ranks in the 100th percentile among Surgery codes — 9.5x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 33916?
CPT 33916 (Surgery of great vessel) is a Surgery code. Cardiac surgery of great vessels including operations on aorta, pulmonary artery, superior/inferior vena cava, or their branches; complex great vessel reconstruction or repair.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 33916?
The work RVU for CPT 33916 is 76.05. This code is primarily used by Cardiac Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 33916 used?
Umbrella code for complex great vessel operations not specifically defined by other codes. Includes atypical repairs, hybrid approaches, and combined procedures.
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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.