How To Use CPT Code 00812

cpt 00812 describes the anesthesia services provided for lower intestinal endoscopic procedures, specifically when the endoscope is introduced distal to the duodenum. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of cpt 00812.

1. What is cpt 00812?

cpt 00812 is used to describe the anesthesia services provided during lower intestinal endoscopic procedures, where the endoscope is introduced below the duodenum. This code is specifically used for screening colonoscopies, regardless of the findings. It encompasses the evaluation, induction, monitoring, and post-procedure care provided by the anesthesia provider.

2. Official Description

The official description of cpt 00812 is: ‘Anesthesia for lower intestinal endoscopic procedures, endoscope introduced distal to duodenum; screening colonoscopy.’ It is important to note that this code should be reported for any screening colonoscopy, regardless of the ultimate findings.

3. Procedure

The anesthesia provider begins by performing a preoperative evaluation of the patient. They then induce anesthesia and closely monitor the patient throughout the screening colonoscopy. The surgical provider introduces the endoscope into the intestines below the duodenum, while the anesthesia provider ensures the patient’s comfort and safety. The anesthesia provider documents the medications administered, monitoring used, patient responses, and the start and stop times of anesthesia care. After the procedure, the anesthesia provider oversees the patient’s transfer to the postanesthesia care unit.

4. Qualifying circumstances

cpt 00812 is appropriate for patients undergoing screening colonoscopies, regardless of their age or health status. It is important to note that this code should only be used for procedures where the endoscope is introduced distal to the duodenum. Other qualifying circumstances may include patients with extreme age (younger than 1 year or older than 70), utilization of total body hypothermia, utilization of controlled hypotension, or emergency conditions. These circumstances may require additional codes to accurately describe the complexity of the anesthesia services provided.

5. When to use cpt code 00812

cpt 00812 should be used when providing anesthesia services for a screening colonoscopy, where the endoscope is introduced below the duodenum. It is important to report this code for all screening colonoscopies, regardless of the findings. If the endoscope is introduced proximal to the duodenum, a different code should be used to accurately describe the procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for cpt 00812, the anesthesia provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s preoperative evaluation
• Start and stop times of anesthesia care
• Medications administered
• Monitoring used during the procedure
• Patient responses and any complications
• Transfer of the patient to the postanesthesia care unit

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for cpt 00812, ensure that the anesthesia provider is qualified to administer anesthesia under state law. The anesthesia time should be documented accurately, starting from the preparation of the patient for anesthesia induction and ending when the anesthesia provider no longer renders services or another provider assumes responsibility for postoperative care. It is important to follow the specific billing guidelines of each payer, including the use of appropriate modifiers and reporting of total units based on anesthesia time.

8. Historical information

cpt 00812 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2018. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to cpt 00812

There are no similar codes provided for cpt 00812 in the information provided. However, it is important to note that there may be other anesthesia codes for procedures on the lower abdomen within the range of 00800-00882. These codes may describe different types of lower abdominal procedures and should be selected based on the specific procedure performed.

9. Examples

1. An anesthesia provider administering anesthesia for a screening colonoscopy where the endoscope is introduced distal to the duodenum.
2. An anesthesia provider monitoring a patient undergoing a lower intestinal endoscopic procedure for a screening colonoscopy.
3. An anesthesia provider documenting the start and stop times of anesthesia care during a screening colonoscopy.
4. An anesthesia provider overseeing the transfer of a patient to the postanesthesia care unit after a screening colonoscopy.
5. An anesthesia provider administering medications during a screening colonoscopy where the endoscope is introduced distal to the duodenum.
6. An anesthesia provider monitoring the patient’s vital signs during a screening colonoscopy.
7. An anesthesia provider documenting the patient’s responses and any complications during a screening colonoscopy.
8. An anesthesia provider ensuring the patient’s comfort and safety during a screening colonoscopy.
9. An anesthesia provider evaluating the patient prior to a screening colonoscopy.
10. An anesthesia provider providing postoperative care to a patient following a screening colonoscopy.