How To Use CPT Code 00632

cpt 00632 describes the anesthesia services provided by a healthcare professional for procedures in the lumbar region, specifically including a lumbar sympathectomy. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of cpt 00632.

1. What is cpt 00632?

cpt 00632 is used to describe the anesthesia services provided by a healthcare professional for procedures in the lumbar region, specifically including a lumbar sympathectomy. This code is used when the anesthesia provider performs a pre-operative evaluation of the patient, induces the patient, monitors the patient during the procedure, and oversees the patient’s transfer to post-anesthesia care.

2. Official Description

The official description of cpt 00632 is: ‘Anesthesia for procedures in lumbar region; lumbar sympathectomy.’

3. Procedure

The anesthesia provider performs a pre-operative evaluation of the patient to assess their health status and determine the appropriate anesthesia plan. During the procedure, the anesthesia provider induces the patient and monitors their vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels. The provider administers anesthesia medications as necessary to ensure the patient remains comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure. After the procedure, the anesthesia provider oversees the patient’s transfer to the post-anesthesia care unit and ensures their safe recovery.

4. Qualifying circumstances

cpt 00632 is used for procedures in the lumbar region, specifically including a lumbar sympathectomy. This procedure involves the resection or cutting away of the lumbar sympathetic nerves, which control blood flow to the lower extremities. It is typically performed to treat chronic pain in various conditions. The anesthesia services are provided by a qualified anesthesia provider, such as an anesthesiologist, doctor of medicine or osteopathy, dentist, oral surgeon, podiatrist, certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), or anesthesiologist assistant (AA).

5. When to use cpt code 00632

cpt 00632 should be used when a healthcare professional provides anesthesia services for procedures in the lumbar region, specifically including a lumbar sympathectomy. It is important to ensure that the procedure performed falls within the range of cpt 00600-00670, which covers anesthesia for procedures on the spine and spinal cord. This code should be used for each procedure performed in the lumbar region that includes a lumbar sympathectomy.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for cpt 00632, the anesthesia provider must document the following information:

• Pre-operative evaluation of the patient
• Induction of anesthesia
• Monitoring of vital signs during the procedure
• Administration of anesthesia medications
• Start and stop times of anesthesia care
• Transfer of the patient to post-anesthesia care

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for cpt 00632, ensure that the anesthesia services are provided by a qualified anesthesia provider and that the procedure performed falls within the range of cpt 00600-00670. It is important to follow the specific billing guidelines of the payer, including any required modifiers or additional documentation. If multiple anesthesia services are provided for the same patient during the same encounter, assign the most complex anesthesia procedure code with the highest base unit value. The total anesthesia time should be documented and reported in block 24G of the CMS-1500 form.

8. Historical information

cpt 00632 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. It was later added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare reimbursement in 2017.

9. Examples

1. An anesthesiologist providing anesthesia services for a patient undergoing a lumbar sympathectomy for chronic pain management.
2. A certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) administering anesthesia to a patient undergoing a lumbar sympathectomy for peripheral vascular disease.
3. An oral surgeon providing anesthesia services for a patient undergoing a lumbar sympathectomy for Raynaud’s disease.
4. A dentist administering anesthesia to a patient undergoing a lumbar sympathectomy for complex regional pain syndrome.
5. An anesthesiologist assistant (AA) assisting in the administration of anesthesia for a patient undergoing a lumbar sympathectomy for diabetic neuropathy.
6. A doctor of medicine performing anesthesia services for a patient undergoing a lumbar sympathectomy for vascular insufficiency.
7. An anesthesiologist providing anesthesia for a patient undergoing a lumbar sympathectomy for reflex sympathetic dystrophy.
8. A podiatrist administering anesthesia to a patient undergoing a lumbar sympathectomy for peripheral artery disease.
9. A dentist providing anesthesia services for a patient undergoing a lumbar sympathectomy for complex regional pain syndrome.
10. A certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) assisting in the administration of anesthesia for a patient undergoing a lumbar sympathectomy for diabetic neuropathy.