How To Use CPT Code 00144

cpt 00144 describes the anesthesia services provided for a patient undergoing a corneal transplant. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of cpt 00144.

1. What is cpt 00144?

cpt 00144 is used to describe the anesthesia services provided for a patient undergoing a corneal transplant. The anesthesia provider performs a pre-operative evaluation of the patient and administers anesthesia during the procedure. They also monitor the patient’s vital signs and document the types and amounts of medications administered. After the procedure, the anesthesia provider oversees the patient’s transfer to post-anesthesia care.

2. Official Description

The official description of cpt 00144 is: ‘Anesthesia for procedures on eye; corneal transplant.’

3. Procedure

The anesthesia provider begins by performing a pre-operative evaluation of the patient. They then induce the patient and administer anesthesia during the corneal transplant procedure. Throughout the procedure, the anesthesia provider monitors the patient’s vital signs and administers any necessary fluids or blood. They also document the start and stop times of anesthesia care. After the procedure, the anesthesia provider oversees the patient’s transfer to post-anesthesia care.

4. Qualifying circumstances

cpt 00144 is used for patients undergoing a corneal transplant procedure. The anesthesia services are provided by a qualified anesthesia provider, such as an anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist. The anesthesia provider administers anesthesia and monitors the patient’s vital signs during the procedure.

5. When to use cpt code 00144

cpt 00144 should be used when a patient is undergoing a corneal transplant procedure and anesthesia services are provided. It is important to ensure that the anesthesia provider is qualified and that the anesthesia care is documented appropriately.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for cpt 00144, the anesthesia provider must document the following information:

• Pre-operative evaluation of the patient
• Types and amounts of medications administered
• Monitoring of vital signs during the procedure
• Start and stop times of anesthesia care
• Any additional procedures or interventions performed
• Transfer of the patient to post-anesthesia care

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for cpt 00144, ensure that the anesthesia services are provided by a qualified anesthesia provider and that the documentation requirements are met. It is important to follow the specific billing guidelines of the payer, including any required modifiers or additional documentation.

8. Historical information

cpt 00144 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to cpt 00144

Five similar codes to cpt 00144 include:

• cpt 00140: Anesthesia for procedures on eye; iridectomy, iridotomy, or iridoplasty
• cpt 00142: Anesthesia for procedures on eye; anterior segment, not otherwise specified
• cpt 00145: Anesthesia for procedures on eye; lens surgery
• cpt 00147: Anesthesia for procedures on eye; vitreous surgery
• cpt 00148: Anesthesia for procedures on eye; posterior segment, not otherwise specified

9. Examples

1. An anesthesiologist providing anesthesia services for a patient undergoing a corneal transplant.
2. A certified registered nurse anesthetist administering anesthesia during a corneal transplant procedure.
3. An anesthesiologist overseeing the transfer of a patient to post-anesthesia care after a corneal transplant.
4. A certified registered nurse anesthetist monitoring a patient’s vital signs during a corneal transplant procedure.
5. An anesthesiologist documenting the types and amounts of medications administered during a corneal transplant.
6. A certified registered nurse anesthetist performing a pre-operative evaluation of a patient before a corneal transplant.
7. An anesthesiologist administering fluids and/or blood as necessary during a corneal transplant procedure.
8. A certified registered nurse anesthetist documenting the start and stop times of anesthesia care during a corneal transplant.
9. An anesthesiologist providing standard monitoring services, such as ECG and oximetry, during a corneal transplant procedure.
10. A certified registered nurse anesthetist overseeing the patient’s transfer to post-anesthesia care after a corneal transplant.