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See a sample rate comparisonHealthcare providers use this code to document and receive reimbursement for visits that address moderate-level medical decision-making, often including multiple diagnoses or prescription management.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service Type | Surgery Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System |
| Common Place of Service | 21 - Inpatient Hospital 22 - On Campus Outpatient Hospital 11 - Office |
| Common Modifiers | AS - PA/NP/CNS assistant at surgery 80 - Assistant surgeon |
| Complexity Level | Moderate |
| Medicare Fee Schedule | $593.20 national non-facility rate (2026) · View Medicare rates for 33521 |
| Medicaid Fee Schedule | $460.43 median of the 8 states in the free preview · View Medicaid rates for 33521 |
National average reimbursement for CPT 33521 by major payers:

$826.96

$891.66

$949.54

$1,032.47
Choose a payer to see a sample of rates for CPT 33521.
Denton Surgery Center LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Denton
Denton Surgery Center, LLC Dba Texas Health Surgery Center Denton
Ent Realty Corp, The Surgery Center
Ent Realty Corp
Innovative Surgery Center, LLC
Innovative Surgery Center LLC
Dekalb Gastroenterology Associates III, LLC, Dekalb Endoscopy Center
Dekalb Gastroenterology Associates III LLC
Physicians Surgery Center LLC
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Rate Benchmarking
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See a sample rate comparisonPayer Contract Negotiation
Use your fee schedule and market benchmarks to set target rates and draft a letter for your payer.
See a sample payer proposalCPT 33521 vs. Other Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System Codes
The CPT 33521 code is part of the Surgery services used for Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System. It represents a moderate-complexity encounter and is one of several codes that vary based on time spent, level of medical decision-making, and documentation requirements.
The CPT 33521 code involves more provider time and moderate medical decision-making, unlike lower-level codes that require less time and simpler assessments. It typically includes multiple diagnoses, medication management, or test interpretation, leading to higher reimbursement and more detailed documentation requirements.
| Code | Complexity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 33519-CPT | Moderate | Heart Vein And Artery Grafts, Surgery To Bypass A Section Of A Heart Artery With Grafts From Both Veins And Arteries. The Grafts Are Attached To A Healthy Artery To Enable Blood To Flow Past The Blocked Artery. |
| 33521-CPT | Moderate | Heart Vein And Artery Grafts, Surgery To Bypass A Section Of A Heart Artery With Grafts From Both Veins And Arteries. The Grafts Are Attached To A Healthy Artery To Enable Blood To Flow Past The Blocked Artery. |
| 33522-CPT | Moderate | Heart Vein And Artery Grafts, Surgery To Bypass A Section Of A Heart Artery With Grafts From Both Veins And Arteries. The Grafts Are Attached To A Healthy Artery To Enable Blood To Flow Past The Blocked Artery. |
| 33572-CPT | Moderate | Open Coronary Endarterectomy, Coronary Endarterectomy Open Any Method Of Left Anterior Descending Circumflex Or Right Coronary Artery Performed In Conjunction With Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Procedure Each Vessel List Separately In Addition To Primary Procedure |
What is a fee schedule?
A fee schedule is a list of fixed prices that healthcare providers charge for specific services, including CPT 33521. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.
Understanding the 33521 fee schedule helps patients estimate costs and providers optimize billing for accurate reimbursements.
Factors that affect fee schedules
Medicare & Medicaid Rates
Government-set reimbursement amounts
Private Insurance Rates
Negotiated rates between providers and insurance companies
Geographic Location
Costs may be higher in urban areas.
Provider Type
Hospital providers may have different rates than private practice.
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