How To Use CPT Code 00548

cpt 00548 describes anesthesia services for thoracotomy procedures involving the lungs, pleura, diaphragm, and mediastinum, including surgical thoracoscopy, as well as intrathoracic procedures on the trachea and bronchi. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of cpt 00548.

1. What is cpt 00548?

cpt 00548 is a code used to describe anesthesia services provided during thoracotomy procedures involving the lungs, pleura, diaphragm, and mediastinum, as well as intrathoracic procedures on the trachea and bronchi. Anesthesia providers play a crucial role in ensuring patient comfort and safety during these surgical interventions.

2. Official Description

The official description of cpt 00548 is: ‘Anesthesia for thoracotomy procedures involving lungs, pleura, diaphragm, and mediastinum (including surgical thoracoscopy); intrathoracic procedures on the trachea and bronchi.’

3. Procedure

During a thoracotomy procedure, the anesthesia provider performs a pre-operative evaluation of the patient to assess their overall health and determine the appropriate anesthesia plan. The provider then induces anesthesia and monitors the patient throughout the procedure. This may involve the use of various monitoring devices such as ECG, temperature, blood pressure, oximetry, capnography, and mass spectrometry.

The anesthesia provider administers medications as needed to ensure the patient remains comfortable and stable during the surgery. They also document the types and amounts of medications administered, as well as any other relevant information such as patient responses and the start and stop times of anesthesia care.

After the procedure, the anesthesia provider oversees the patient’s transfer to the post-anesthesia care unit and ensures their continued recovery and well-being.

4. Qualifying circumstances

cpt 00548 is used for anesthesia services provided during thoracotomy procedures involving the lungs, pleura, diaphragm, and mediastinum, as well as intrathoracic procedures on the trachea and bronchi. These procedures are typically performed to treat conditions such as lung cancer, pleural effusion, diaphragmatic hernia, and tracheal or bronchial abnormalities.

5. When to use cpt code 00548

cpt 00548 should be used when an anesthesia provider is involved in a thoracotomy procedure that involves the lungs, pleura, diaphragm, mediastinum, trachea, or bronchi. It is important to accurately report this code to ensure proper reimbursement for the anesthesia services provided.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for cpt 00548, the anesthesia provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s pre-operative evaluation and overall health status
• Details of the anesthesia plan, including medications administered
• Monitoring devices used during the procedure
• Start and stop times of anesthesia care
• Any complications or unusual circumstances during the procedure
• Transfer of the patient to the post-anesthesia care unit

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for cpt 00548, ensure that the anesthesia services provided meet the criteria described in the official description. It is important to accurately report the anesthesia time and any additional procedures or services performed during the same encounter.

Modifiers may be used to provide additional information or indicate specific circumstances related to the anesthesia services. It is important to follow the guidelines provided by the payer when using modifiers.

8. Historical information

cpt 00548 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 00548

Similar codes to cpt 00548 within the anesthesia range for intrathoracic procedures include:

• cpt 00500: Anesthesia for procedures on the esophagus and diaphragmatic hernia repair
• cpt 00520: Anesthesia for procedures on the trachea and bronchi
• cpt 00528: Anesthesia for procedures on the mediastinum
• cpt 00540: Anesthesia for procedures on the pleura
• cpt 00580: Anesthesia for procedures on the lungs

9. Examples

1. An anesthesia provider administering anesthesia during a thoracotomy procedure to remove a lung tumor.
2. An anesthesia provider providing anesthesia services for a surgical thoracoscopy to diagnose and treat pleural effusion.
3. An anesthesia provider administering anesthesia during a tracheal resection and reconstruction procedure.
4. An anesthesia provider providing anesthesia services for a bronchoplasty procedure to repair a bronchial abnormality.
5. An anesthesia provider administering anesthesia during a diaphragmatic hernia repair surgery.
6. An anesthesia provider providing anesthesia services for a mediastinal mass excision procedure.
7. An anesthesia provider administering anesthesia during a lung lobectomy for lung cancer treatment.
8. An anesthesia provider providing anesthesia services for a pleurodesis procedure to treat recurrent pleural effusion.
9. An anesthesia provider administering anesthesia during a tracheostomy procedure.
10. An anesthesia provider providing anesthesia services for a lung volume reduction surgery for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).