Mountain State Medical Policy Bulletin
Section: Surgery
Number: S-66
Topic: Keyhole Bypass Surgery/Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Studies
Effective Date: August 1, 2005
Issued Date: August 1, 2005
Date Last Reviewed: 06/2005

General Policy Guidelines

Indications and Limitations of Coverage

Keyhole Bypass Surgery
Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass should be reported under codes S2205-S2209, as appropriate.

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Studies
Graft studies are considered an integral part of cardiac catheterization and selective coronary arteriography and are not eligible as distinct and separate services. If graft studies are reported on the same day with surgical care, and the charges are itemized, combine the charges and pay only the surgical care. Payment for the surgical care performed on the same date of service includes the allowance for the graft studies.  A participating, preferred, or network provider cannot bill the member separately for the graft studies in this case.

If the graft studies are performed independently, process them under procedure code 37799.

Description

Keyhole Bypass Surgery
The "keyhole" CABG procedure is a minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass procedure performed through a small keyhole incision without having to split the sternum. The operation is ideally suited for bypassing a single blocked coronary vessel. The result is reduced postoperative pain, a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery, and less morbidity.

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Studies
Coronary artery bypass graft studies are variants of selective coronary arteriography.

Procedure Codes

37799S2205S2206S2207S2208S2209

Traditional Guidelines

Refer to General Policy Guidelines

FEP Guidelines

Refer to General Policy Guidelines

PPO Guidelines

Refer to General Policy Guidelines

Managed Care POS Guidelines

Refer to General Policy Guidelines

Publications

References

View Previous Versions

No Previous Versions

Table Attachment

Text Attachment

Procedure Code Attachment


Glossary




This policy is designed to address medical guidelines that are appropriate for the majority of individuals with a particular disease, illness, or condition. Each person's unique clinical circumstances may warrant individual consideration, based on review of applicable medical records.

Medical policies are designed to supplement the terms of a member's contract. The member's contract defines the benefits available; therefore, medical policies should not be construed as overriding specific contract language. In the event of conflict, the contract shall govern.

Medical policies do not constitute medical advice, nor the practice of medicine. Rather, such policies are intended only to establish general guidelines for coverage and reimbursement under Mountain State Blue Cross Blue Shield plans. Application of a medical policy to determine coverage in an individual instance is not intended and shall not be construed to supercede the professional judgment of a treating provider. In all situations, the treating provider must use his/her professional judgment to provide care he/she believes to be in the best interest of the patient, and the provider and patient remain responsible for all treatment decisions.

Mountain State Blue Cross Blue Shield (MSBCBS) retains the right to review and update its medical policy guidelines at its sole discretion. These guidelines are the proprietary information of MSBCBS. Any sale, copying or dissemination of the medical policies is prohibited; however, limited copying of medical policies is permitted for individual use.