How To Use CPT Code 00520

cpt 00520 describes anesthesia services for closed chest procedures, including bronchoscopy, that are not otherwise specified by another anesthesia code. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of cpt 00520.

1. What is cpt 00520?

cpt 00520 is used to describe anesthesia services provided for closed chest procedures, including bronchoscopy, that are not specifically described by any other anesthesia code. This code is used when the anesthesia provider performs the induction of anesthesia, monitors the patient during the procedure, and oversees the patient’s transfer to post-anesthesia care.

2. Official Description

The official description of cpt 00520 is: ‘Anesthesia for closed chest procedures; (including bronchoscopy) 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 them during the closed chest procedure, including bronchoscopy.
3. The anesthesia provider notes the types and amounts of medications administered, as well as any forms of monitoring used.
4. The anesthesia provider documents the start and stop times of anesthesia care.
5. Following the procedure, the anesthesia provider oversees the patient’s transfer to post-anesthesia care.

4. Qualifying circumstances

cpt 00520 is used for closed chest procedures, including bronchoscopy, that are not specifically described by another anesthesia code. This code can be used for a variety of procedures that require anesthesia, such as lung biopsies or diagnostic bronchoscopies. The anesthesia provider must perform a pre-operative evaluation, induce the patient, monitor them during the procedure, and oversee their transfer to post-anesthesia care.

5. When to use cpt code 00520

cpt 00520 should be used when providing anesthesia services for closed chest procedures, including bronchoscopy, that are not specifically described by another anesthesia code. It is important to ensure that the anesthesia provider performs a pre-operative evaluation, induces the patient, monitors them during the procedure, and oversees their transfer to post-anesthesia care.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for cpt 00520, the anesthesia provider must document the following information:

• Pre-operative evaluation of the patient
• Types and amounts of medications administered
• Forms of monitoring used
• Start and stop times of anesthesia care
• Transfer of the patient to post-anesthesia care

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for cpt 00520, ensure that the anesthesia provider performs a pre-operative evaluation, induces the patient, monitors them during the procedure, and oversees their transfer to post-anesthesia care. This code should be used for closed chest procedures, including bronchoscopy, that are not specifically described by another anesthesia code. It is important to follow the specific billing guidelines of the payer and append any necessary modifiers.

8. Historical information

cpt 00520 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 for a closed chest lung biopsy.
2. An anesthesia provider administering anesthesia for a closed chest bronchoscopy.
3. An anesthesia provider overseeing anesthesia for a closed chest mediastinal mass biopsy.
4. An anesthesia provider providing anesthesia for a closed chest thoracoscopic lung resection.
5. An anesthesia provider performing anesthesia for a closed chest procedure not otherwise specified.
6. An anesthesia provider administering anesthesia for a closed chest bronchoscopy with biopsy.
7. An anesthesia provider overseeing anesthesia for a closed chest lung resection.
8. An anesthesia provider providing anesthesia for a closed chest procedure with mediastinal mass biopsy.
9. An anesthesia provider performing anesthesia for a closed chest thoracoscopic lung biopsy.
10. An anesthesia provider administering anesthesia for a closed chest bronchoscopy with mediastinal mass biopsy.