How To Use CPT Code 00792

cpt 00792 describes the anesthesia services provided for intraperitoneal procedures in the upper abdomen, including laparoscopy, partial hepatectomy, or management of liver hemorrhage (excluding liver biopsy). This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of cpt 00792.

1. What is cpt 00792?

cpt 00792 is used to describe the anesthesia services provided for intraperitoneal procedures in the upper abdomen. This includes procedures such as laparoscopy, partial hepatectomy (partial removal of the liver), or management of liver hemorrhage. It is important to note that this code does not include liver biopsy.

2. Official Description

The official description of cpt 00792 is: ‘Anesthesia for intraperitoneal procedures in upper abdomen including laparoscopy; partial hepatectomy or management of liver hemorrhage (excluding liver biopsy).’

3. Procedure

The anesthesia provider performs several key steps during the procedure described by cpt 00792:

1. The anesthesia provider conducts a pre-operative evaluation of the patient to assess their overall health and determine the appropriate anesthesia plan.
2. The anesthesia provider induces anesthesia in the patient and monitors them throughout the procedure.
3. The procedure itself, whether it is a laparoscopy, partial hepatectomy, or management of liver hemorrhage, is performed by a different healthcare provider.
4. The anesthesia provider administers any necessary medications and closely monitors the patient’s vital signs and responses during the procedure.
5. After the procedure, the anesthesia provider oversees the patient’s transfer to the post-anesthesia care unit.

4. Qualifying circumstances

cpt 00792 is used for patients undergoing intraperitoneal procedures in the upper abdomen, specifically laparoscopy, partial hepatectomy, or management of liver hemorrhage. It is important to note that liver biopsy is not included in this code. The anesthesia services are provided by a qualified anesthesia provider, such as an anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA).

5. When to use cpt code 00792

cpt 00792 should be used when anesthesia services are provided for intraperitoneal procedures in the upper abdomen, including laparoscopy, partial hepatectomy, or management of liver hemorrhage. It is important to ensure that the procedure does not involve liver biopsy, as that would require a different code. This code should be used for each instance of anesthesia provided for these specific procedures.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for cpt 00792, the anesthesia provider must document the following information:

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

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for cpt 00792, it is important to ensure that the anesthesia services are provided by a qualified anesthesia provider. The code should only be reported for intraperitoneal procedures in the upper abdomen, excluding liver biopsy. It is also important to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by payers, such as Medicare, and to use the appropriate modifiers if required.

8. Historical information

cpt 00792 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code underwent a change on January 1, 2001, to include partial hepatectomy in the description. It is important to note that cpt 00792 is listed as an Inpatient Only (IPO) code by Medicare.

9. Similar codes to cpt 00792

There are no specific similar codes provided for cpt 00792. However, other anesthesia codes may be applicable depending on the specific procedure and circumstances. It is important to review the range of anesthesia codes for procedures on the upper abdomen (00700-00797) to identify any other relevant codes.

9. Examples

Here are some examples of scenarios where cpt 00792 may be used:

1. An anesthesiologist providing anesthesia services for a patient undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder).
2. A CRNA administering anesthesia for a patient undergoing a partial hepatectomy for liver cancer.
3. An anesthesiologist managing anesthesia for a patient undergoing emergency surgery for liver hemorrhage.
4. A team of anesthesia providers providing anesthesia services for a patient undergoing a laparoscopic appendectomy.
5. A CRNA overseeing anesthesia for a patient undergoing exploratory laparotomy to investigate abdominal pain.