How To Use CPT Code 00796

cpt 00796 describes the anesthesia services provided for intraperitoneal procedures in the upper abdomen, including laparoscopy for liver transplant recipients. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of cpt 00796.

1. What is cpt 00796?

cpt 00796 is used to describe the anesthesia services provided for intraperitoneal procedures in the upper abdomen, specifically for liver transplant recipients. This code is used when an anesthesia provider administers anesthesia for a patient undergoing a liver transplant, including any laparoscopic procedures that may be performed during the transplant.

2. Official Description

The official description of cpt 00796 is: ‘Anesthesia for intraperitoneal procedures in upper abdomen including laparoscopy; liver transplant (recipient).’ This code specifically applies to anesthesia services provided during liver transplant procedures in the upper abdomen, including any laparoscopic techniques that may be utilized.

3. Procedure

1. The anesthesia provider performs a pre-operative evaluation of the patient to assess their overall health and determine the appropriate anesthesia plan.
2. The anesthesia provider administers anesthesia to the patient, inducing a state of unconsciousness or sedation to ensure their comfort and safety during the liver transplant procedure.
3. The anesthesia provider closely monitors the patient’s vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels, throughout the transplant procedure.
4. The anesthesia provider may administer fluids and/or blood products as necessary to maintain the patient’s fluid balance and blood volume during the procedure.
5. The anesthesia provider documents the types and amounts of medications administered, as well as any additional monitoring techniques used, such as capnography, oximetry, and mass spectrometry.
6. Following the completion of the liver transplant procedure, the anesthesia provider oversees the patient’s transfer to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) or recovery area.

4. Qualifying circumstances

cpt 00796 is used for patients who are undergoing a liver transplant procedure in the upper abdomen. This code applies specifically to the anesthesia services provided to the recipient of the liver transplant. The anesthesia provider must be qualified to administer anesthesia, such as an anesthesiologist, doctor of medicine or osteopathy, dentist, oral surgeon, podiatrist, certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), or anesthesiologist assistant (AA). The procedure may involve laparoscopic techniques, which utilize a slender, flexible tube-like device with a lighted camera to visualize the internal structures of the abdomen.

5. When to use cpt code 00796

cpt 00796 should be used when an anesthesia provider administers anesthesia for a patient undergoing a liver transplant procedure in the upper abdomen. This code is specific to the recipient of the liver transplant and includes any laparoscopic procedures that may be performed during the transplant. It is important to ensure that the anesthesia provider is qualified to administer anesthesia and that the procedure meets the criteria for a liver transplant in the upper abdomen.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for cpt 00796, the anesthesia provider must document the following information:

• Pre-operative evaluation of the patient
• Types and amounts of medications administered
• Monitoring techniques used, such as capnography, oximetry, and mass spectrometry
• Start and stop times of anesthesia care
• Any complications or unusual circumstances during the procedure
• Transfer of the patient to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) or recovery area

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for cpt 00796, ensure that the anesthesia provider is qualified to administer anesthesia and that the procedure meets the criteria for a liver transplant in the upper abdomen. It is important to follow the specific billing guidelines provided by the payer, including any required modifiers or additional documentation. cpt 00796 should not be reported if cpt codes 00100 to 01999 have already been performed in the previous seven days. Additionally, consider any qualifying circumstances codes that may apply to complex anesthesia cases.

8. Historical information

cpt 00796 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code 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 liver transplant, including laparoscopic procedures in the upper abdomen.
2. A certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) administering anesthesia to a liver transplant recipient during a laparoscopic procedure in the upper abdomen.
3. A dentist qualified to administer anesthesia providing anesthesia services for a patient receiving a liver transplant, including laparoscopic techniques.
4. An anesthesiologist assistant (AA) assisting in the administration of anesthesia for a liver transplant recipient undergoing laparoscopic procedures in the upper abdomen.
5. A doctor of medicine or osteopathy other than an anesthesiologist providing anesthesia services for a patient undergoing a liver transplant, including laparoscopic techniques.
6. An oral surgeon administering anesthesia to a liver transplant recipient during laparoscopic procedures in the upper abdomen.
7. A podiatrist qualified to administer anesthesia providing anesthesia services for a patient receiving a liver transplant, including laparoscopic procedures.
8. An anesthesiologist overseeing the administration of anesthesia for a liver transplant recipient undergoing laparoscopic procedures in the upper abdomen.
9. A certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) providing anesthesia services for a patient receiving a liver transplant, including laparoscopic techniques.
10. A dentist qualified to administer anesthesia assisting in the administration of anesthesia for a liver transplant recipient undergoing laparoscopic procedures in the upper abdomen.