How To Use CPT Code 01712

cpt 01712 describes anesthesia services for procedures on nerves, muscles, tendons, fascia, and bursae of the upper arm and elbow, specifically for an open tenotomy between the elbow and shoulder. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of cpt 01712.

1. What is cpt 01712?

cpt 01712 is a code used to describe anesthesia services provided during an open tenotomy procedure in the area between the elbow and shoulder. An open tenotomy involves the division of a muscle tendon by cutting it. The anesthesia provider performs a pre-operative evaluation, induces the patient, monitors them during the procedure, and oversees their transfer to post-anesthesia care.

2. Official Description

The official description of cpt 01712 is: ‘Anesthesia for procedures on nerves, muscles, tendons, fascia, and bursae of upper arm and elbow; tenotomy, elbow to shoulder, open.’

3. Procedure

During an open tenotomy procedure, the anesthesia provider performs the following steps:

1. Conducts a pre-operative evaluation of the patient.
2. Induces the patient with anesthesia.
3. Monitors the patient during the open tenotomy procedure, ensuring their safety and comfort.
4. Administers any necessary medications and fluids.
5. Utilizes standard monitoring services such as ECG, temperature, blood pressure, oximetry, capnography, and mass spectrometry.
6. Documents the types and amounts of medications administered, monitoring used, patient responses, and start and stop times of anesthesia care.
7. Oversees the patient’s transfer to post-anesthesia care.

4. Qualifying circumstances

cpt 01712 is used for anesthesia services provided during an open tenotomy procedure in the upper arm and elbow region. This procedure involves the division of a muscle tendon by cutting it. The anesthesia provider must ensure the patient’s safety and comfort throughout the procedure, utilizing standard monitoring services. The anesthesia provider may also administer medications and fluids as necessary.

5. When to use cpt code 01712

cpt 01712 should be used when an anesthesia provider is involved in an open tenotomy procedure between the elbow and shoulder. This code accurately represents the anesthesia services provided during the procedure. It is important to ensure that the documentation supports the use of this code and that the anesthesia time is accurately recorded.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for cpt 01712, the anesthesia provider must document the following information:

• Pre-operative evaluation of the patient
• Induction of anesthesia
• Monitoring services utilized during the procedure
• Administration of medications and fluids
• Start and stop times of anesthesia care
• Any complications or unusual circumstances
• Transfer of the patient to post-anesthesia care

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for cpt 01712, ensure that the anesthesia provider’s documentation supports the use of this code for an open tenotomy procedure between the elbow and shoulder. It is important to accurately record the anesthesia time and any additional services provided during the procedure. If there are any complications or unusual circumstances, they should be documented and reported separately if necessary.

8. Historical information

cpt 01712 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 anesthesia provider administering anesthesia during an open tenotomy procedure for a patient with a tendon injury in the upper arm.
2. An anesthesia provider monitoring a patient’s vital signs during an open tenotomy procedure to repair a torn muscle in the elbow.
3. An anesthesia provider administering medications and fluids to a patient undergoing an open tenotomy procedure for a bursa-related issue in the upper arm.
4. An anesthesia provider overseeing the transfer of a patient to post-anesthesia care following an open tenotomy procedure to address a fascia-related condition in the elbow.
5. An anesthesia provider documenting the start and stop times of anesthesia care during an open tenotomy procedure for a patient with a nerve-related issue in the upper arm.