How To Use CPT Code 01402

cpt 01402 describes the anesthesia services provided for open or surgical arthroscopic procedures on the knee joint, specifically for total knee arthroplasty. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of cpt 01402.

1. What is cpt 01402?

cpt 01402 is a code used to describe the anesthesia services provided for total knee arthroplasty, which is a surgical procedure involving the repair or replacement of the knee joint. Anesthesia is administered by a qualified anesthesia provider to ensure the patient’s comfort and safety during the procedure.

2. Official Description

The official description of cpt 01402 is: ‘Anesthesia for open or surgical arthroscopic procedures on knee joint; total knee arthroplasty.’

3. Procedure

1. The anesthesia provider performs a preoperative evaluation of the patient to assess their overall health and determine the appropriate anesthesia plan.
2. The anesthesia provider administers anesthesia to induce a state of unconsciousness or sedation, depending on the patient’s needs and the surgeon’s preferences.
3. The anesthesia provider monitors the patient’s vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels, throughout the procedure.
4. The anesthesia provider administers medications as necessary to maintain the patient’s anesthesia and manage any pain or discomfort.
5. After the procedure is complete, the anesthesia provider oversees the patient’s transfer to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) and ensures their safe recovery from anesthesia.

4. Qualifying circumstances

cpt 01402 is used for patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty, which involves the repair or replacement of the knee joint. The anesthesia services are provided by a qualified anesthesia provider, such as an anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). The anesthesia provider is responsible for assessing the patient’s health status, administering anesthesia, monitoring vital signs, and managing pain during the procedure.

5. When to use cpt code 01402

cpt 01402 should be used when providing anesthesia services for total knee arthroplasty. It is important to ensure that the procedure being performed is specifically for total knee arthroplasty and not for other knee joint procedures. If the procedure being performed is not a total knee arthroplasty, a different anesthesia code should be used to accurately reflect the services provided.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for cpt 01402, the anesthesia provider must document the following information:

• Preoperative evaluation of the patient
• Type and amount of anesthesia administered
• Monitoring methods used during the procedure
• Start and stop times of anesthesia care
• Medications administered during the procedure
• Patient’s response to anesthesia and any complications
• Transfer of the patient to the PACU

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for cpt 01402, it is important to ensure that the anesthesia services are provided by a qualified anesthesia provider and are specifically for total knee arthroplasty. The anesthesia provider should document the start and stop times of anesthesia care, as well as any additional services or procedures performed during the same encounter. It is also important to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by the payer, such as the use of modifiers or additional documentation requirements.

8. Historical information

cpt 01402 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been several historical changes to the code, including updates to the code description and its inclusion or exclusion from certain payer lists. The most recent historical changes include its addition to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list in 2017 and its removal from the IPO list in 2019.

9. Examples

1. An anesthesiologist providing anesthesia services for a patient undergoing total knee arthroplasty.
2. A CRNA administering anesthesia to a patient during a total knee arthroplasty procedure.
3. An anesthesia team monitoring a patient’s vital signs and managing their pain during a total knee arthroplasty.
4. An anesthesiologist overseeing the patient’s recovery from anesthesia after a total knee arthroplasty.
5. A CRNA documenting the start and stop times of anesthesia care for a patient undergoing total knee arthroplasty.
6. An anesthesia provider administering medications to maintain anesthesia during a total knee arthroplasty.
7. An anesthesia team using monitoring equipment to ensure the patient’s safety during a total knee arthroplasty.
8. An anesthesiologist assessing the patient’s health status prior to total knee arthroplasty.
9. A CRNA transferring a patient to the PACU following a total knee arthroplasty.
10. An anesthesia provider documenting the patient’s response to anesthesia during a total knee arthroplasty.