How To Use CPT Code 00948

cpt 00948 describes the anesthesia services provided for cervical cerclage, a procedure in which sutures are used to close the cervix in a pregnant female with an incompetent cervix. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of cpt 00948.

1. What is cpt 00948?

cpt 00948 is used to describe the anesthesia services provided for cervical cerclage. This procedure involves the use of sutures to close the cervix in a pregnant female with an incompetent cervix, with the aim of preventing premature delivery. The anesthesia provider plays a crucial role in ensuring the patient’s comfort and safety during the procedure.

2. Official Description

The official description of cpt 00948 is: ‘Anesthesia for vaginal procedures (including biopsy of labia, vagina, cervix or endometrium); cervical cerclage.’

3. Procedure

The anesthesia provider performs several key responsibilities during the cervical cerclage procedure:

1. Preoperative evaluation: The anesthesia provider assesses the patient’s medical history, current health status, and any potential risks or complications related to anesthesia.
2. Anesthesia induction: The anesthesia provider administers anesthesia to induce a state of unconsciousness or sedation, ensuring the patient is comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.
3. Monitoring: The anesthesia provider closely monitors the patient’s vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and ECG, throughout the procedure to ensure their safety and well-being.
4. Medication administration: The anesthesia provider administers any necessary medications, such as analgesics or muscle relaxants, to manage pain and facilitate the surgical procedure.
5. Documentation: The anesthesia provider records the types and amounts of medications administered, the monitoring techniques used, the patient’s responses, and the start and stop times of anesthesia care.
6. Post-anesthesia care: After the procedure, the anesthesia provider oversees the patient’s transfer to the post-anesthesia care unit, ensuring their continued comfort and monitoring their recovery.

4. Qualifying circumstances

cpt 00948 is used for patients undergoing cervical cerclage, specifically for those with an incompetent cervix. The procedure is performed to prevent premature delivery in pregnant females. The anesthesia provider must ensure the patient’s safety and comfort throughout the procedure, taking into account any potential risks or complications associated with anesthesia.

5. When to use cpt code 00948

cpt 00948 should be used when providing anesthesia services for cervical cerclage procedures. It is important to accurately report this code to ensure proper reimbursement for the anesthesia services rendered during the procedure. However, it is essential to review the specific documentation and guidelines provided by the payer to ensure compliance with their requirements.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for cpt 00948, the anesthesia provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s medical history and current health status
• Details of the cervical cerclage procedure
• Types and amounts of medications administered
• Monitoring techniques used during the procedure
• Patient’s responses and vital signs throughout the procedure
• Start and stop times of anesthesia care
• Any complications or adverse events encountered
• Signature of the anesthesia provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for cpt 00948, it is important to ensure compliance with the specific billing guidelines provided by the payer. The anesthesia provider should accurately report the anesthesia services provided for cervical cerclage procedures. It is also important to review any additional guidelines or modifiers required by the payer for proper reimbursement.

8. Historical information

cpt 00948 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to cpt 00948

There are no specific similar codes provided for cpt 00948. However, it is important to review the range of anesthesia codes for procedures on the perineum (00902-00952) to identify any potentially related codes that may be applicable in specific scenarios.

9. Examples

Examples of scenarios in which cpt 00948 may be used include:

1. An anesthesia provider administering anesthesia for cervical cerclage in a pregnant patient with an incompetent cervix.
2. An anesthesia provider monitoring a patient’s vital signs and administering anesthesia during a cervical cerclage procedure.
3. An anesthesia provider documenting the types and amounts of medications administered during a cervical cerclage procedure.
4. An anesthesia provider overseeing the patient’s transfer to the post-anesthesia care unit following a cervical cerclage procedure.
5. An anesthesia provider ensuring the patient’s comfort and safety during a cervical cerclage procedure.