How To Use CPT Code 00528

cpt 00528 describes the anesthesia services provided for closed chest procedures, specifically mediastinoscopy and diagnostic thoracoscopy not utilizing one lung ventilation. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of cpt 00528.

1. What is cpt 00528?

cpt 00528 is a code used to describe the anesthesia services provided for closed chest procedures, specifically mediastinoscopy and diagnostic thoracoscopy not utilizing one lung ventilation. These procedures involve the insertion of a device with a video camera to view the structures in the upper chest between the two lungs (mediastinoscopy) or to view any abnormalities in the contents of the pleura, the double-layered membrane covering the lung (diagnostic thoracoscopy).

2. Official Description

The official description of cpt 00528 is: ‘Anesthesia for closed chest procedures; mediastinoscopy and diagnostic thoracoscopy not utilizing one lung ventilation.’

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 mediastinoscopy and diagnostic thoracoscopy procedures.
3. The anesthesia provider administers any necessary medications and utilizes standard monitoring services such as ECG, temperature, blood pressure, oximetry, capnography, and mass spectrometry.
4. The anesthesia provider documents the types and amounts of medications administered, all forms of monitoring used, patient responses, and 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 00528 is used for anesthesia services provided during closed chest procedures, specifically mediastinoscopy and diagnostic thoracoscopy not utilizing one lung ventilation. These procedures are typically performed to view structures in the upper chest or to diagnose abnormalities in the pleura. The anesthesia provider must perform a pre-operative evaluation of the patient and administer anesthesia during the procedures.

5. When to use cpt code 00528

cpt 00528 should be used when providing anesthesia services for closed chest procedures, specifically mediastinoscopy and diagnostic thoracoscopy not utilizing one lung ventilation. It is important to ensure that the procedure being performed meets the criteria specified in the code description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for cpt 00528, the anesthesia provider must document the following information:

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

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for cpt 00528, ensure that the anesthesia services provided meet the criteria specified in the code description. It is important to accurately document the anesthesia time and any additional procedures or services performed. Follow the guidelines provided by the payer for reporting anesthesia services and any required modifiers.

8. Historical information

cpt 00528 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been changes to the code description over the years, with the most recent update occurring on January 1, 2010.

9. Examples

1. An anesthesia provider administering anesthesia for a mediastinoscopy procedure to view structures in the upper chest.
2. An anesthesia provider providing anesthesia services for a diagnostic thoracoscopy procedure to diagnose abnormalities in the pleura.
3. An anesthesia provider performing a pre-operative evaluation and administering anesthesia for a mediastinoscopy and diagnostic thoracoscopy not utilizing one lung ventilation.
4. An anesthesia provider documenting the types and amounts of medications administered, forms of monitoring used, patient responses, and start and stop times of anesthesia care during a closed chest procedure.
5. An anesthesia provider overseeing the transfer of a patient to post-anesthesia care following a mediastinoscopy and diagnostic thoracoscopy procedure.