How To Use CPT Code 00404

cpt 00404 describes anesthesia services for procedures on the integumentary system on the extremities, anterior trunk, and perineum, including radical or modified radical procedures on the breast. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of cpt 00404.

1. What is cpt 00404?

cpt 00404 is a code used to describe anesthesia services provided by a healthcare professional during procedures on the integumentary system. Specifically, it applies to procedures on the extremities, anterior trunk, and perineum, including radical or modified radical procedures on the breast. This code is used to indicate that anesthesia was administered to the patient during these surgical interventions.

2. Official Description

The official description of cpt 00404 is: ‘Anesthesia for procedures on the integumentary system on the extremities, anterior trunk and perineum; radical or modified radical procedures on breast.’

3. Procedure

During the procedure, the anesthesia provider performs a pre-operative evaluation of the patient. They then induce the patient and monitor them throughout the surgical intervention on the integumentary system. This includes procedures on the extremities, anterior trunk, and perineum, as well as radical or modified radical procedures on the breast. The anesthesia provider administers medications, monitors the patient’s vital signs, and ensures their comfort and safety during the surgery. After the procedure, the anesthesia provider oversees the patient’s transfer to the post-anesthesia care unit.

4. Qualifying circumstances

cpt 00404 is used when anesthesia services are provided for procedures on the integumentary system, specifically on the extremities, anterior trunk, and perineum. It also applies to radical or modified radical procedures on the breast. The anesthesia provider must evaluate the patient pre-operatively and administer anesthesia during the surgical intervention. This code is used to indicate that anesthesia was necessary for the patient’s comfort and safety during these procedures.

5. When to use cpt code 00404

cpt 00404 should be used when anesthesia services are provided for procedures on the integumentary system, including the extremities, anterior trunk, and perineum. It is specifically applicable to radical or modified radical procedures on the breast. This code should be reported when anesthesia is administered to the patient during these surgical interventions.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for cpt 00404, the anesthesia provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s pre-operative evaluation
• Start and stop times of anesthesia care
• Types and amounts of medications administered
• Monitoring methods used during anesthesia
• Patient responses and any complications
• Transfer of the patient to the post-anesthesia care unit

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for cpt 00404, ensure that the anesthesia services were provided for procedures on the integumentary system, including the extremities, anterior trunk, and perineum. This code is specifically used for radical or modified radical procedures on the breast. It is important to follow the guidelines set by the payer regarding the use of modifiers and any additional documentation requirements. It is also essential to accurately report the start and stop times of anesthesia care.

8. Historical information

cpt 00404 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 00404

Five similar codes to cpt 00404 include:

• cpt 00400: Anesthesia for procedures on the thorax (chest wall and shoulder girdle)
• cpt 00402: Anesthesia for procedures on the thorax (esophagus, trachea, bronchi, mediastinum, and diaphragm)
• cpt 00410: Anesthesia for procedures on the integumentary system on the extremities, anterior trunk, and perineum; not otherwise specified
• cpt 00450: Anesthesia for procedures on the integumentary system on the extremities, anterior trunk, and perineum; not otherwise specified; radical or modified radical procedures on the breast
• cpt 00452: Anesthesia for procedures on the integumentary system on the extremities, anterior trunk, and perineum; not otherwise specified; local anesthesia

9. Examples

1. An anesthesia provider administering anesthesia during a radical mastectomy procedure on the breast.
2. An anesthesia provider providing anesthesia services for a procedure on the anterior trunk, such as a skin graft.
3. An anesthesia provider administering anesthesia during a procedure on the extremities, such as a hand surgery.
4. An anesthesia provider providing anesthesia for a perineal procedure, such as a hemorrhoidectomy.
5. An anesthesia provider administering anesthesia during a modified radical mastectomy procedure on the breast.
6. An anesthesia provider providing anesthesia services for a procedure on the anterior trunk, such as a breast reconstruction.
7. An anesthesia provider administering anesthesia during a procedure on the extremities, such as a skin biopsy.
8. An anesthesia provider providing anesthesia for a perineal procedure, such as a labiaplasty.
9. An anesthesia provider administering anesthesia during a radical mastectomy procedure on the breast.
10. An anesthesia provider providing anesthesia services for a procedure on the anterior trunk, such as a panniculectomy.