How To Use CPT Code 01170

cpt 01170 describes the anesthesia services provided for open procedures involving the symphysis pubis or sacroiliac joint. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of cpt 01170.

1. What is cpt 01170?

cpt 01170 is used to describe the anesthesia services provided for open procedures involving the symphysis pubis or sacroiliac joint. This code is used when an anesthesia provider performs a preoperative evaluation, induces the patient, monitors the patient during the procedure, administers medications, and oversees the patient’s transfer to post-anesthesia care. The anesthesia provider documents the types and amounts of medications administered, the forms of monitoring used, patient responses, and the start and stop times of anesthesia care.

2. Official Description

The official description of cpt 01170 is: ‘Anesthesia for open procedures involving symphysis pubis or sacroiliac joint.’

3. Procedure

The anesthesia provider performs a preoperative evaluation of the patient. They then induce the patient and monitor them during the open procedures involving the symphysis pubis or sacroiliac joint that a different provider performs. The anesthesia provider notes the medications administered, forms of 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 post-anesthesia care.

4. Qualifying circumstances

cpt 01170 is used for open procedures involving the symphysis pubis or sacroiliac joint. These procedures typically require a large incision that allows the provider to directly visualize the target anatomy. 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 provider performs a preoperative evaluation, induces the patient, monitors them during the procedure, administers medications, and oversees their transfer to post-anesthesia care.

5. When to use cpt code 01170

cpt 01170 should be used when an anesthesia provider performs anesthesia services for open procedures involving the symphysis pubis or sacroiliac joint. This code is appropriate when the anesthesia provider is present with the patient during the procedure, administering medications and monitoring their vital signs. It should be used for each instance of anesthesia care provided for these specific procedures.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for cpt 01170, the anesthesia provider must document the following information:

• Preoperative evaluation of the patient
• Induction of the patient
• Monitoring during the procedure
• Medications administered
• Forms of monitoring used
• Patient responses
• Start and stop times of anesthesia care
• Transfer of the patient to post-anesthesia care

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for cpt 01170, ensure that the anesthesia services are provided by a qualified anesthesia provider and that the procedure involves open procedures involving the symphysis pubis or sacroiliac joint. Follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer regarding anesthesia time and unit calculation. Append the appropriate HCPCS modifiers to the anesthesia code as required by the payer.

8. Historical information

cpt 01170 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. An anesthesiologist providing anesthesia services for an open procedure involving the symphysis pubis for a patient undergoing pelvic reconstruction surgery.
2. A certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) administering anesthesia for an open procedure involving the sacroiliac joint for a patient undergoing joint fusion surgery.
3. An anesthesiologist assistant (AA) monitoring a patient’s vital signs during an open procedure involving the symphysis pubis for a patient undergoing pelvic fracture repair.
4. A dentist providing anesthesia services for an open procedure involving the sacroiliac joint for a patient undergoing joint injection therapy.
5. An oral surgeon administering anesthesia for an open procedure involving the symphysis pubis for a patient undergoing pelvic tumor resection.
6. A podiatrist monitoring a patient’s anesthesia during an open procedure involving the sacroiliac joint for a patient undergoing joint arthroscopy.
7. An anesthesiologist providing anesthesia services for an open procedure involving the symphysis pubis for a patient undergoing pelvic organ prolapse repair.
8. A certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) administering anesthesia for an open procedure involving the sacroiliac joint for a patient undergoing joint denervation.
9. An anesthesiologist assistant (AA) monitoring a patient’s vital signs during an open procedure involving the symphysis pubis for a patient undergoing pelvic abscess drainage.
10. A dentist providing anesthesia services for an open procedure involving the sacroiliac joint for a patient undergoing joint manipulation.