Wiki coding 33508 for EVH of SVG for CABG

[sjtrew]

There's a new CCI edit for 1/1/21 indicating 33508 is included in the CPT codes 33533-33536. Is this a correct edit? Prior to Jan 2021 we could code a CABG using both arterial and venous bypasses with EVH for SVG harvest using codes 33533 + 33518 +33508. Is anyone still doing this? Adding modifier 59 to 33508? Has anyone had direction from AMA or payers or questioned this new edit? Appreciate your comments -thanks!

 

[ellis3350]

Per Z Health...

 

[fhysong]

I have a question regarding the 33508 being added with the 33533 - 33536. when they are doing both an artery bypass and a vein bypass in the same operative session using the endo harvest we are appending a 59 modifier to the 33508. with the X modifiers we are wondering if instead of the 59 we should be using the XU modifier? has anyone had any experience with this. we have sent a test claim in to see if it gets paid on the first round without going through appeal due to denial.

 

[ellis3350]

Yes, the XU modifier should be okay instead of the 59.

 

[mk2001]

I have a question regarding the 33508 being added with the 33533 - 33536. when they are doing both an artery bypass and a vein bypass in the same operative session using the endo harvest we are appending a 59 modifier to the 33508. with the X modifiers we are wondering if instead of the 59 we should be using the XU modifier? has anyone had any experience with this. we have sent a test claim in to see if it gets paid on the first round without going through appeal due to denial.

We have been using the X modifiers and have not had any issues.