How To Use CPT Code 00529

cpt 00529 describes the anesthesia services provided for closed chest procedures, specifically mediastinoscopy and diagnostic thoracoscopy 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 00529.

1. What is cpt 00529?

cpt 00529 is a code used to describe the anesthesia services provided for closed chest procedures, specifically mediastinoscopy and diagnostic thoracoscopy utilizing one lung ventilation. These procedures involve the insertion of a device with a video camera to view the structures in the upper chest or abnormalities in the pleura, the double-layered membrane covering the lung. The anesthesia provider performs a pre-operative evaluation, induces the patient, monitors them during the procedures, and uses one lung ventilation to collapse one lung while ventilating the other.

2. Official Description

The official description of cpt 00529 is: ‘Anesthesia for closed chest procedures; mediastinoscopy and diagnostic thoracoscopy utilizing 1 lung ventilation.’

3. Procedure

The anesthesia provider performs the following steps during the procedure:

1. Pre-operative evaluation of the patient
2. Induction of the patient
3. Monitoring the patient during the procedures of mediastinoscopy and diagnostic thoracoscopy
4. Utilizing one lung ventilation by ventilating one lung while collapsing the other
5. Administering medications as necessary
6. Documenting all forms of monitoring used, medications administered, patient responses, and start and stop times of anesthesia care
7. Overseeing the patient’s transfer to post-anesthesia care

4. Qualifying circumstances

cpt 00529 is used for patients undergoing closed chest procedures, specifically mediastinoscopy and diagnostic thoracoscopy utilizing one lung ventilation. These procedures are typically performed to view structures in the upper chest or identify abnormalities in the pleura. The anesthesia provider must use one lung ventilation during the procedures.

5. When to use cpt code 00529

cpt 00529 should be used when providing anesthesia services for closed chest procedures, specifically mediastinoscopy and diagnostic thoracoscopy utilizing one lung ventilation. It is important to ensure that the procedure being performed meets the criteria for this code and that one lung ventilation is utilized.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for cpt 00529, the anesthesia provider must document the following information:

• Pre-operative evaluation of the patient
• Start and stop times of anesthesia care
• Types and amounts of medications administered
• Forms of monitoring used, such as ECG, temperature, blood pressure, oximetry, capnography, and mass spectrometry
• Patient responses and any complications or adverse events
• Transfer of the patient to post-anesthesia care

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for cpt 00529, ensure that the anesthesia services provided meet the criteria for this code, including the performance of closed chest procedures, specifically mediastinoscopy and diagnostic thoracoscopy utilizing one lung ventilation. It is important to follow the guidelines set forth by the payer regarding the use of modifiers and any additional documentation requirements.

8. Historical information

cpt 00529 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2004. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. An anesthesia provider performing anesthesia services for a patient undergoing mediastinoscopy utilizing one lung ventilation.
2. An anesthesia provider administering anesthesia for a patient undergoing diagnostic thoracoscopy utilizing one lung ventilation.
3. An anesthesia provider using one lung ventilation during a mediastinoscopy procedure for a patient with suspected abnormalities in the upper chest.
4. An anesthesia provider providing anesthesia services for a patient undergoing diagnostic thoracoscopy to identify abnormalities in the pleura.
5. An anesthesia provider utilizing one lung ventilation during a mediastinoscopy procedure to view structures in the upper chest.
6. An anesthesia provider administering anesthesia for a patient undergoing diagnostic thoracoscopy to assess the contents of the pleura.
7. An anesthesia provider performing anesthesia services for a patient undergoing mediastinoscopy and diagnostic thoracoscopy utilizing one lung ventilation.
8. An anesthesia provider using one lung ventilation during a mediastinoscopy and diagnostic thoracoscopy procedure for a patient with suspected abnormalities in the upper chest and pleura.
9. An anesthesia provider providing anesthesia services for a patient undergoing mediastinoscopy and diagnostic thoracoscopy to evaluate the structures in the upper chest and pleura.
10. An anesthesia provider administering anesthesia for a patient undergoing diagnostic thoracoscopy utilizing one lung ventilation to identify any abnormalities in the pleura.