How To Use CPT Code 00472

cpt 00472 describes the anesthesia services provided by a healthcare professional for a patient undergoing partial rib resection and thoracoplasty. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of cpt 00472.

1. What is cpt 00472?

cpt 00472 is a code used to describe the anesthesia services provided by a healthcare professional for a patient undergoing partial rib resection and thoracoplasty. This procedure involves the partial removal of one or more ribs, which may be performed for reparative purposes or to improve the appearance of the thorax. The anesthesia provider plays a crucial role in ensuring the patient’s comfort and safety during the surgery.

2. Official Description

The official description of cpt 00472 is: ‘Anesthesia for partial rib resection; thoracoplasty (any type).’ This code represents the anesthesia services provided during the surgical procedure of partial rib resection and thoracoplasty.

3. Procedure

The anesthesia provider’s responsibilities for cpt 00472 include:

1. Performing a pre-operative evaluation of the patient to assess their health status and determine the appropriate anesthesia plan.
2. Inducing anesthesia and monitoring the patient throughout the partial rib resection and thoracoplasty procedure.
3. Administering medications as necessary and utilizing standard monitoring techniques such as ECG, temperature, blood pressure, oximetry, capnography, and mass spectrometry.
4. Documenting the types and amounts of medications administered, patient responses, and the start and stop times of anesthesia care.
5. Overseeing the patient’s transfer to the post-anesthesia care unit following the procedure.

4. Qualifying circumstances

cpt 00472 is used for patients undergoing partial rib resection and thoracoplasty procedures. These patients may have conditions such as lung disease or scoliosis that require surgical intervention. The anesthesia provider must ensure the patient’s safety and comfort throughout the procedure, taking into account any specific health considerations or risks associated with the surgery.

5. When to use cpt code 00472

cpt 00472 should be used when a healthcare professional provides anesthesia services for a patient undergoing partial rib resection and thoracoplasty. This code accurately represents the anesthesia care provided during this specific surgical procedure. It is important to use cpt 00472 only when the procedure being performed aligns with the description provided.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for cpt 00472, the anesthesia provider must document the following information:

• Pre-operative evaluation of the patient, including any relevant health conditions or risks.
• Details of the anesthesia plan, including the medications administered and monitoring techniques used.
• Start and stop times of anesthesia care.
• Any complications or significant events that occurred during the procedure.
• Transfer of the patient to the post-anesthesia care unit.

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for cpt 00472, ensure that the anesthesia services provided align with the description of the code. It is important to accurately report the anesthesia time, which starts when the anesthesia provider prepares the patient for anesthesia induction and ends when the provider no longer renders services to the patient. Payers may have specific requirements for anesthesia time units, so it is essential to follow their guidelines for accurate billing.

8. Historical information

cpt 00472 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

Examples of cases in which cpt 00472 may be billed include:

1. A patient undergoing partial rib resection and thoracoplasty for the treatment of empyema.
2. A patient with scoliosis undergoing partial rib resection and thoracoplasty for cosmetic purposes.
3. A patient with a lung disease requiring partial rib resection and thoracoplasty to improve respiratory function.
4. A patient undergoing partial rib resection and thoracoplasty as part of a larger surgical procedure for the treatment of a chest wall tumor.
5. A patient with a history of trauma undergoing partial rib resection and thoracoplasty for the repair of a chest wall deformity.