How To Use CPT Code 99135

CPT 99135 describes the utilization of controlled hypotension during anesthesia for certain surgical procedures. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 99135?

CPT 99135 can be used to describe the administration of controlled hypotension by an anesthesia provider during certain surgical procedures. This code is used when the provider induces controlled hypotension in the patient, monitoring their blood pressure as it drops and stabilizes. Controlled hypotension is a technique used to reduce bleeding during surgery and improve the surgeon’s visibility.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 99135 is: ‘Anesthesia complicated by utilization of controlled hypotension (List separately in addition to code for primary anesthesia procedure).’ This code is an add-on code and should be reported along with a primary anesthesia procedure code when controlled hypotension is induced during the procedure.

3. Procedure

1. During a surgical procedure, the anesthesia provider administers anesthesia to the patient.
2. The provider induces controlled hypotension, carefully monitoring the patient’s blood pressure as it drops and stabilizes.
3. The provider must document the induction of controlled hypotension at the time of providing the anesthesia service to support the use of CPT 99135.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 99135 is used when the anesthesia provider induces controlled hypotension during certain surgical procedures. This technique is employed to reduce bleeding and improve visibility for the surgeon. The provider must document the induction of controlled hypotension to support the use of this code.

5. When to use CPT code 99135

CPT code 99135 should be used when the anesthesia provider induces controlled hypotension during a surgical procedure. It is important to note that this code is an add-on code and should only be reported along with a primary anesthesia procedure code. Payers will not reimburse for CPT 99135 if it is reported without an appropriate primary anesthesia code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 99135, the anesthesia provider must document the induction of controlled hypotension at the time of providing the anesthesia service. This documentation should include details about the surgical procedure, the specific technique used to induce controlled hypotension, and the monitoring of the patient’s blood pressure throughout the procedure.

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 99135, ensure that it is reported along with a primary anesthesia procedure code. This code is an add-on code and should not be reported alone. It is important to follow the payer’s guidelines and requirements for reporting anesthesia services and add-on codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 99135 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 induces controlled hypotension during a surgical procedure to reduce bleeding and improve visibility for the surgeon.
2. During a complex orthopedic surgery, the anesthesia provider utilizes controlled hypotension to enhance the surgical field.
3. A patient undergoing a neurosurgical procedure receives anesthesia with controlled hypotension to minimize bleeding and facilitate the surgeon’s work.
4. Controlled hypotension is induced by the anesthesia provider during a plastic surgery procedure to optimize surgical outcomes.
5. Anesthesia is administered with controlled hypotension during a vascular surgery to reduce blood loss and improve surgical precision.
6. During a delicate eye surgery, the anesthesia provider utilizes controlled hypotension to enhance the surgeon’s visualization.
7. A patient undergoing a maxillofacial surgery receives anesthesia with controlled hypotension to minimize bleeding and improve surgical outcomes.
8. Controlled hypotension is induced during a cardiac surgery to improve the surgeon’s ability to perform the procedure.
9. Anesthesia is administered with controlled hypotension during a gynecological procedure to reduce bleeding and enhance surgical precision.
10. During a complex abdominal surgery, the anesthesia provider utilizes controlled hypotension to optimize surgical conditions.