How To Use CPT Code 00211

cpt 00211 describes the anesthesia services provided for intracranial procedures involving craniotomy or craniectomy for the evacuation of a hematoma. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of cpt 00211.

1. What is cpt 00211?

cpt 00211 is used to describe the anesthesia services provided for intracranial procedures that involve the removal of a hematoma from within the brain or the tissues surrounding it. These procedures typically require the removal of a small portion of the skull bone through craniotomy or craniectomy. The anesthesia provider plays a crucial role in ensuring the patient’s comfort and safety during these procedures.

2. Official Description

The official description of cpt 00211 is: ‘Anesthesia for intracranial procedures; craniotomy or craniectomy for evacuation of hematoma.’

3. Procedure

The anesthesia provider begins by performing a pre-operative evaluation of the patient. This evaluation helps assess the patient’s overall health and determine the appropriate anesthesia plan. During the intracranial procedure, the anesthesia provider induces and maintains anesthesia, ensuring the patient remains unconscious and pain-free throughout the surgery. They closely monitor the patient’s vital signs, administer medications as needed, and document all relevant information, including the start and stop times of anesthesia care.

After the procedure, the anesthesia provider oversees the patient’s transfer to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) or recovery area. They continue to monitor the patient’s vital signs and manage any post-operative pain or discomfort. The anesthesia provider’s role ends when another healthcare professional assumes responsibility for the patient’s post-operative care.

4. Qualifying circumstances

cpt 00211 is used for patients undergoing intracranial procedures specifically for the evacuation of a hematoma. These procedures involve the removal of a small portion of the skull bone through craniotomy or craniectomy. The anesthesia services are provided by a qualified anesthesia provider, such as an anesthesiologist or a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA).

5. When to use cpt code 00211

cpt 00211 should be used when anesthesia services are provided for intracranial procedures involving craniotomy or craniectomy specifically for the evacuation of a hematoma. It is important to ensure that the documentation clearly supports the medical necessity for the procedure and the use of anesthesia.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for cpt 00211, the anesthesia provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s pre-operative evaluation and overall health status
• Details of the intracranial procedure, including the specific reason for the evacuation of the hematoma
• Anesthesia start and stop times
• Types and amounts of medications administered
• Monitoring methods used during the procedure
• Patient’s response to anesthesia
• Transfer of the patient to the PACU or recovery area

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for cpt 00211, it is important to ensure that the anesthesia services are provided by a qualified anesthesia provider, such as an anesthesiologist or a CRNA. The anesthesia start and stop times should be accurately documented, and the appropriate anesthesia modifiers should be appended to the code if required by the payer.

It is also important to note that cpt 00211 is listed as an inpatient-only (IPO) procedure by Medicare. This means that it is typically performed on an inpatient basis and is not eligible for reimbursement when performed in an outpatient setting.

8. Historical information

cpt 00211 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2009. The code has not undergone any updates since its addition. However, it is worth noting that Medicare added cpt 00211 to its Inpatient Only (IPO) list in 2017, further emphasizing its designation as an inpatient procedure.

9. Similar codes to cpt 00211

While there are no specific similar codes provided for cpt 00211, other anesthesia codes within the range of 00100-00222 may be applicable for different intracranial procedures. It is important to review the range and select the most appropriate code based on the specific procedure performed.

9. Examples

1. An anesthesiologist providing anesthesia services for a craniotomy procedure to evacuate a hematoma from a patient’s brain.
2. A CRNA administering anesthesia for a craniectomy procedure to remove a hematoma from the tissues surrounding the brain.
3. An anesthesiologist overseeing the anesthesia care for a patient undergoing a craniotomy for the evacuation of a hematoma caused by a traumatic brain injury.
4. A CRNA monitoring the anesthesia for a craniectomy procedure to remove a hematoma resulting from an intracranial hemorrhage.
5. An anesthesiologist providing anesthesia services for a craniotomy to evacuate a hematoma caused by an arteriovenous malformation.
6. A CRNA administering anesthesia for a craniectomy procedure to remove a hematoma resulting from a ruptured aneurysm.
7. An anesthesiologist overseeing the anesthesia care for a patient undergoing a craniotomy for the evacuation of a hematoma caused by a brain tumor.
8. A CRNA monitoring the anesthesia for a craniectomy procedure to remove a hematoma resulting from a cerebral contusion.
9. An anesthesiologist providing anesthesia services for a craniotomy to evacuate a hematoma caused by a subdural hemorrhage.
10. A CRNA administering anesthesia for a craniectomy procedure to remove a hematoma resulting from an epidural hematoma.