How To Use CPT Code 00400

cpt 00400 describes anesthesia services for procedures on the integumentary system on the extremities, anterior trunk, and perineum, not otherwise specified. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of cpt 00400.

1. What is cpt 00400?

cpt 00400 can be used to describe anesthesia services provided by an anesthesia provider for procedures on the integumentary system on the extremities, anterior trunk, and perineum, not otherwise specified. This code is used when the anesthesia provider performs a pre-operative evaluation, induces the patient, monitors the patient during the procedure, and oversees the patient’s transfer to post-anesthesia care.

2. Official Description

The official description of cpt 00400 is: ‘Anesthesia for procedures on the integumentary system on the extremities, anterior trunk, and perineum; not otherwise specified.’

3. Procedure

1. The anesthesia provider performs a pre-operative evaluation of the patient.
2. The anesthesia provider induces the patient and monitors the patient during the procedures on the integumentary system on the extremities, anterior trunk, and perineum that a different provider performs.
3. The anesthesia provider notes any types and amounts of medications administered, all forms of monitoring used, patient responses, and the start and stop times of anesthesia care.
4. Following the procedure, the anesthesia provider oversees the patient’s transfer to post-anesthesia care.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive cpt 00400 anesthesia services are those undergoing procedures on the integumentary system on the extremities, anterior trunk, and perineum, not otherwise specified. The anesthesia provider must perform a pre-operative evaluation, induce the patient, monitor the patient during the procedure, and oversee the patient’s transfer to post-anesthesia care.

5. When to use cpt code 00400

It is appropriate to bill cpt 00400 when an anesthesia provider performs anesthesia services for procedures on the integumentary system on the extremities, anterior trunk, and perineum, not otherwise specified. This code should be used for each procedure performed on the specified areas.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for cpt 00400, the anesthesia provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s pre-operative evaluation
• Types and amounts of medications administered
• Forms of monitoring used
• Patient responses during anesthesia care
• Start and stop times of anesthesia care
• Transfer of the patient to post-anesthesia care

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for cpt 00400, ensure that the anesthesia provider performs a pre-operative evaluation, induces the patient, monitors the patient during the procedure, and oversees the patient’s transfer to post-anesthesia care. Append the appropriate HCPCS modifiers to the anesthesia codes for Medicare and for other payers requiring the modifiers to describe anesthesia services rendered by the physician or CRNA. Medicare reimburses anesthesia services for qualified anesthesiologists, doctors of medicine or osteopathy, dentists, oral surgeons, podiatrists, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), and anesthesiologist assistants (AAs) working under supervision.

8. Historical information

cpt 00400 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. An anesthesia provider performing anesthesia services for a patient undergoing a procedure on the extremities.
2. An anesthesia provider administering anesthesia to a patient undergoing a procedure on the anterior trunk.
3. An anesthesia provider monitoring a patient during a procedure on the perineum.
4. An anesthesia provider overseeing the transfer of a patient to post-anesthesia care after a procedure on the extremities.
5. An anesthesia provider documenting the types and amounts of medications administered during a procedure on the anterior trunk.
6. An anesthesia provider noting the start and stop times of anesthesia care for a patient undergoing a procedure on the perineum.
7. An anesthesia provider performing a pre-operative evaluation for a patient undergoing a procedure on the extremities.
8. An anesthesia provider monitoring a patient’s responses during anesthesia care for a procedure on the anterior trunk.
9. An anesthesia provider documenting the transfer of a patient to post-anesthesia care after a procedure on the perineum.
10. An anesthesia provider administering anesthesia to a patient undergoing a procedure on the extremities, anterior trunk, and perineum, not otherwise specified.