How To Use CPT Code 00794

cpt 00794 describes the anesthesia services provided for a patient undergoing a procedure of partial or total pancreatectomy, which involves the surgical removal of the pancreas. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of cpt 00794.

1. What is cpt 00794?

cpt 00794 is used to describe the anesthesia services provided for a patient undergoing a procedure of partial or total pancreatectomy. This procedure involves the surgical removal of the pancreas, which may include a Whipple procedure. The Whipple procedure involves the removal of the head of the pancreas along with the duodenum and other nearby structures, and rejoining the cut end of the pancreas to the small intestine. cpt 00794 also includes laparoscopy, which is the use of a slender, flexible tube with a lighted camera to visualize the internal structures of the abdomen.

2. Official Description

The official description of cpt 00794 is: ‘Anesthesia for intraperitoneal procedures in upper abdomen including laparoscopy; pancreatectomy, partial or total (eg, Whipple procedure)’. This code represents the anesthesia services provided during a pancreatectomy procedure, which involves the surgical removal of all or part of the pancreas, including the Whipple procedure, and may include the use of laparoscopy.

3. Procedure

1. The anesthesia provider performs a pre-operative evaluation of the patient to assess their health status and determine the appropriate anesthesia plan.
2. The anesthesia provider induces anesthesia and monitors the patient throughout the procedure of partial or total pancreatectomy, including the Whipple procedure.
3. The anesthesia provider administers medications as necessary to maintain the patient’s comfort and safety during the procedure.
4. The anesthesia provider documents the types and amounts of medications administered, as well as any forms of monitoring used.
5. Following 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 00794 is used for patients undergoing a procedure of partial or total pancreatectomy, such as the Whipple procedure. 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). The anesthesia services may include the use of laparoscopy to visualize the abdominal structures. The patient’s health status and the complexity of the procedure may also be qualifying circumstances for the use of cpt 00794.

5. When to use cpt code 00794

cpt 00794 should be used when a patient is undergoing a procedure of partial or total pancreatectomy, including the Whipple procedure, and anesthesia services are provided. This code is specific to intraperitoneal procedures in the upper abdomen and includes the use of laparoscopy. It is important to ensure that the anesthesia services are documented appropriately and meet the criteria outlined in the code description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for cpt 00794, the anesthesia provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s pre-operative evaluation and health status
• Types and amounts of medications administered
• Forms of monitoring used, such as ECG, temperature, blood pressure, oximetry, capnography, and mass spectrometry
• Start and stop times of anesthesia care
• Any qualifying circumstances, such as the use of laparoscopy or the patient’s health status
• Signature of the anesthesia provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for cpt 00794, ensure that the anesthesia services are provided by a qualified anesthesia provider and meet the criteria outlined in the code description. It is important to follow the specific billing guidelines of the payer, including any required modifiers or additional documentation. cpt 00794 should not be reported with other anesthesia codes unless there are separate and distinct anesthesia services provided. It is also important to accurately report the anesthesia time and units based on the payer’s guidelines.

8. Historical information

cpt 00794 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. In 2017, it was added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare reimbursement.

9. Examples

1. An anesthesiologist providing anesthesia services for a patient undergoing a Whipple procedure for pancreatic cancer.
2. A CRNA administering anesthesia to a patient undergoing a partial pancreatectomy for chronic pancreatitis.
3. An oral surgeon providing anesthesia for a patient undergoing a total pancreatectomy as part of a multi-organ transplant.
4. A dentist administering anesthesia to a patient undergoing a Whipple procedure for a neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas.
5. An anesthesiologist assistant assisting with anesthesia services for a patient undergoing a laparoscopic pancreatectomy for a benign pancreatic cyst.
6. A podiatrist providing anesthesia for a patient undergoing a Whipple procedure for a periampullary tumor.
7. An anesthesiologist administering anesthesia to a patient undergoing a partial pancreatectomy for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) of the pancreas.
8. A CRNA assisting with anesthesia services for a patient undergoing a laparoscopic Whipple procedure for ampullary cancer.
9. An oral surgeon providing anesthesia for a patient undergoing a total pancreatectomy for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
10. A dentist administering anesthesia to a patient undergoing a Whipple procedure for a pancreatic pseudocyst.