How To Use CPT Code 00222

cpt 00222 describes anesthesia services for intracranial procedures, specifically electrocoagulation of an intracranial nerve. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of cpt 00222.

1. What is cpt 00222?

cpt 00222 is a code used to describe anesthesia services provided during intracranial procedures, specifically electrocoagulation of an intracranial nerve. Anesthesia providers play a crucial role in ensuring patient comfort and safety during these procedures by inducing and monitoring anesthesia, administering medications, and overseeing the patient’s transfer to post-anesthesia care.

2. Official Description

The official description of cpt 00222 is: ‘Anesthesia for intracranial procedures; electrocoagulation of intracranial nerve.’

3. Procedure

The anesthesia provider begins by performing a pre-operative evaluation of the patient. During the procedure, they induce anesthesia and closely monitor the patient’s vital signs and anesthesia levels. The provider also administers any necessary medications and documents the types and amounts used. After the procedure, the anesthesia provider ensures the patient’s safe transfer to the post-anesthesia care unit.

4. Qualifying circumstances

cpt 00222 is used for patients undergoing intracranial procedures that involve electrocoagulation of an intracranial nerve. This code is applicable when the anesthesia provider is responsible for the patient’s anesthesia care, including induction, monitoring, and post-procedure transfer. It is important to note that anesthesia services may vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and the patient’s health status.

5. When to use cpt code 00222

cpt 00222 should be used when an anesthesia provider is involved in an intracranial procedure that includes electrocoagulation of an intracranial nerve. It is important to accurately document the specific procedure performed to ensure proper coding and billing.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for cpt 00222, the anesthesia provider must document the following information:

• Pre-operative evaluation of the patient
• Induction and monitoring of anesthesia
• Administration of medications
• Types and amounts of medications used
• Start and stop times of anesthesia care
• Monitoring methods used (e.g., ECG, temperature, blood pressure, oximetry)
• Any additional procedures or interventions performed
• Transfer of the patient to post-anesthesia care

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for cpt 00222, ensure that the anesthesia provider is qualified and authorized to administer anesthesia. It is important to accurately document the anesthesia time and any additional procedures or interventions performed. If multiple anesthesia services are provided during the same encounter, report the most complex procedure code with the highest base unit value. Append the appropriate HCPCS modifiers as required by the payer.

8. Historical information

cpt 00222 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 00222

Five similar codes to cpt 00222 include:

• cpt 00210: Anesthesia for intracranial procedures; not otherwise specified
• cpt 00212: Anesthesia for intracranial procedures; craniotomy for excision of brain tumor
• cpt 00214: Anesthesia for intracranial procedures; craniotomy for excision of pituitary tumor
• cpt 00216: Anesthesia for intracranial procedures; craniotomy for excision of arteriovenous malformation
• cpt 00218: Anesthesia for intracranial procedures; craniotomy for excision of aneurysm

9. Examples

1. An anesthesia provider administering anesthesia during a craniotomy for the excision of an intracranial nerve tumor.
2. An anesthesia provider monitoring anesthesia levels during electrocoagulation of an intracranial nerve for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.
3. An anesthesia provider inducing and maintaining anesthesia during a craniotomy for the removal of an arteriovenous malformation.
4. An anesthesia provider overseeing the transfer of a patient to post-anesthesia care following electrocoagulation of an intracranial nerve for the treatment of glossopharyngeal neuralgia.
5. An anesthesia provider administering anesthesia during a craniotomy for the excision of an intracranial nerve schwannoma.
6. An anesthesia provider monitoring vital signs and anesthesia levels during electrocoagulation of an intracranial nerve for the treatment of hemifacial spasm.
7. An anesthesia provider inducing and maintaining anesthesia during a craniotomy for the removal of an intracranial nerve meningioma.
8. An anesthesia provider overseeing the transfer of a patient to post-anesthesia care following electrocoagulation of an intracranial nerve for the treatment of occipital neuralgia.
9. An anesthesia provider administering anesthesia during a craniotomy for the excision of an intracranial nerve schwannomatosis.
10. An anesthesia provider monitoring vital signs and anesthesia levels during electrocoagulation of an intracranial nerve for the treatment of atypical facial pain.