How To Use CPT Code 00626

cpt 00626 describes anesthesia services for procedures on the thoracic spine and cord, specifically via an anterior transthoracic approach with the utilization of one lung ventilation. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of cpt 00626.

1. What is cpt 00626?

cpt 00626 is a code used to describe anesthesia services provided during procedures on the thoracic spine and cord. Specifically, it applies to cases where the approach is via an anterior transthoracic approach and one lung ventilation is utilized. Anesthesia providers play a crucial role in ensuring patient comfort and safety during these procedures.

2. Official Description

The official description of cpt 00626 is: ‘Anesthesia for procedures on the thoracic spine and cord, via an anterior transthoracic approach; utilizing 1 lung ventilation.’

3. Procedure

During procedures on the thoracic spine and cord, anesthesia providers perform several key responsibilities. These include:

1. Conducting a pre-operative evaluation of the patient.
2. Inducing anesthesia and monitoring the patient throughout the procedure.
3. Ensuring the patient’s safety and comfort during the anterior transthoracic approach.
4. Managing one lung ventilation, which involves ventilating only one lung while the other lung is compressed.
5. Administering medications and monitoring the patient’s vital signs and responses.
6. Overseeing the patient’s transfer to the post-anesthesia care unit after the procedure.

4. Qualifying circumstances

cpt 00626 is applicable when anesthesia services are provided for procedures on the thoracic spine and cord via an anterior transthoracic approach with the utilization of one lung ventilation. It is important to note that this code specifically applies to anesthesia services and not the surgical procedure itself.

5. When to use cpt code 00626

cpt 00626 should be used when an anesthesia provider is involved in procedures on the thoracic spine and cord that require an anterior transthoracic approach and one lung ventilation. It is important to accurately document the specific details of the procedure to support the use of this code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for cpt 00626, the anesthesia provider must document the following information:

• Details of the procedure, including the specific approach and utilization of one lung ventilation.
• Start and stop times of anesthesia care.
• Medications administered during the procedure.
• Monitoring methods used, such as ECG, oximetry, and capnography.
• Patient responses and any complications encountered.
• Transfer of the patient to the post-anesthesia care unit.

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for cpt 00626, it is important to ensure that the documentation supports the use of this specific code. Anesthesia providers should follow the guidelines provided by the payer regarding the use of modifiers and any additional documentation requirements. It is also important to review any specific billing guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate and timely reimbursement.

8. Historical information

cpt 00626 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2007. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to cpt 00626

While there are no specific similar codes provided for cpt 00626, it is important to review the range of anesthesia codes for procedures on the spine and spinal cord (00600-00670) to identify any other applicable codes that may be relevant to specific procedures or approaches within this range.

9. Examples

Examples of cases where cpt 00626 may be billed include:

1. Anesthesia services provided during a thoracic spine fusion surgery via an anterior transthoracic approach with one lung ventilation.
2. Anesthesia services provided during a procedure to remove a tumor from the thoracic spinal cord using an anterior transthoracic approach with one lung ventilation.
3. Anesthesia services provided during a thoracic spine decompression surgery via an anterior transthoracic approach with one lung ventilation.
4. Anesthesia services provided during a procedure to repair a herniated disc in the thoracic spine using an anterior transthoracic approach with one lung ventilation.
5. Anesthesia services provided during a thoracic spine stabilization surgery via an anterior transthoracic approach with one lung ventilation.