How To Use CPT Code 00604

cpt 00604 describes the anesthesia services provided for procedures on the cervical spine and cord, specifically when the patient is in the sitting position. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of cpt 00604.

1. What is cpt 00604?

cpt 00604 is used to describe the anesthesia services provided for procedures on the cervical spine and cord when the patient is in the sitting position. This code is specifically used when the anesthesia provider performs a pre-operative evaluation, induces the patient, monitors the patient during the procedure, and oversees the patient’s transfer to post-anesthesia care. The anesthesia provider also documents the types and amounts of medications administered, forms of monitoring used, patient responses, and the start and stop times of anesthesia care.

2. Official Description

The official description of cpt 00604 is: ‘Anesthesia for procedures on cervical spine and cord; procedures with patient in the sitting position.’

3. Procedure

During the procedure, the anesthesia provider performs a pre-operative evaluation of the patient. They then induce the patient and monitor them throughout the procedure. The patient is in the sitting position during the procedure, which involves interventions on the cervical spine and cord. The anesthesia provider documents the medications administered, forms of monitoring used, patient responses, and the start and stop times of anesthesia care. After the procedure, the anesthesia provider oversees the patient’s transfer to post-anesthesia care.

4. Qualifying circumstances

cpt 00604 is used for procedures on the cervical spine and cord when the patient is in the sitting position. This code is appropriate when the anesthesia provider performs anesthesia services for interventions in the neck area. The patient must be in the sitting position during the procedure.

5. When to use cpt code 00604

cpt 00604 should be used when the anesthesia provider is performing anesthesia services for procedures on the cervical spine and cord while the patient is in the sitting position. This code is specific to interventions in the neck area and when the patient is in the sitting position.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for cpt 00604, the anesthesia provider must document the following information:

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

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for cpt 00604, ensure that the anesthesia provider is performing anesthesia services for procedures on the cervical spine and cord while the patient is in the sitting position. Follow the appropriate billing guidelines for anesthesia services, including the use of modifiers if required by the payer.

8. Historical information

cpt 00604 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been several historical changes to the code, including additions and removals from the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare.

9. Examples

1. An anesthesia provider performing anesthesia services for a patient undergoing a cervical laminectomy in the sitting position.
2. An anesthesia provider administering anesthesia to a patient undergoing a procedure on the cervical spine and cord while in the sitting position.
3. An anesthesia provider monitoring a patient during a procedure on the cervical spine and cord in the sitting position.
4. An anesthesia provider documenting the start and stop times of anesthesia care for a patient undergoing a procedure on the cervical spine and cord in the sitting position.
5. An anesthesia provider overseeing the transfer of a patient to post-anesthesia care after a procedure on the cervical spine and cord in the sitting position.
6. An anesthesia provider documenting the types and amounts of medications administered during a procedure on the cervical spine and cord in the sitting position.
7. An anesthesia provider documenting the patient’s responses during a procedure on the cervical spine and cord in the sitting position.
8. An anesthesia provider using forms of monitoring, such as ECG and oximetry, during a procedure on the cervical spine and cord in the sitting position.
9. An anesthesia provider performing a pre-operative evaluation of a patient before a procedure on the cervical spine and cord in the sitting position.
10. An anesthesia provider inducing a patient before a procedure on the cervical spine and cord in the sitting position.