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2025 CPT code 00732

Anesthesia for upper gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures where the endoscope is introduced to the proximal duodenum during an ERCP.

Follow current CPT guidelines for anesthesia coding, including accurate documentation of anesthesia time, and modifier application as appropriate.Specific payer guidelines may also apply.

Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure and payer requirements. Examples include modifiers indicating the use of monitored anesthesia care (MAC), the type of provider administering anesthesia, or concurrent procedures.

Medical necessity for anesthesia is generally established by the need for general anesthesia during an invasive endoscopic procedure, potentially complicated by patient factors such as age, co-morbidities, or procedure complexity.

The anesthesiologist is responsible for the patient's well-being throughout the anesthesia process. This includes pre-operative assessment, administering anesthesia, monitoring vital signs, managing potential complications, and assisting with post-operative recovery.

IMPORTANT For combined upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures, use code 00813. Code 00731 is used for upper gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures other than ERCP where the endoscope is introduced proximal to the duodenum.

In simple words: This code covers the anesthesia services provided during a procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the upper part of the small intestine to look at the bile and pancreatic ducts. The anesthesiologist will prepare you, monitor you during the procedure, and help you recover afterward.

This CPT code encompasses anesthesia services rendered for upper gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures, specifically endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), where the endoscope is advanced to the proximal duodenum (the upper part of the small intestine).The anesthesia provider's responsibilities include pre-operative evaluation, induction and monitoring of anesthesia during the procedure, administration of necessary medications and fluids, standard monitoring (ECG, temperature, blood pressure, oximetry, capnography, and mass spectrometry), and post-operative patient transfer to post-anesthesia care.Unusual monitoring techniques (Swan-Ganz catheters, intra-arterial lines, or central venous lines) are not included and should be billed separately with appropriate documentation.

Example 1: A 65-year-old male patient undergoes an ERCP for suspected bile duct stones. The anesthesiologist administers general anesthesia, monitors the patient's vital signs throughout the procedure, and manages any complications that may arise during the ERCP., A 40-year-old female patient with a history of hypertension undergoes an ERCP for suspected pancreatic duct obstruction. The anesthesiologist carefully monitors the patient's blood pressure and administers medication as needed to maintain hemodynamic stability., A 72-year-old patient with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) undergoes an ERCP for the removal of a bile duct stricture. The anesthesiologist must carefully titrate the anesthetic agents and monitor respiratory function to avoid exacerbating the patient's COPD.

Pre-anesthesia evaluation, anesthesia record documenting medication administration, monitoring parameters, patient responses, start and stop times of anesthesia, and post-anesthesia care transfer details.For high-risk patients, additional documentation supporting medical necessity for general anesthesia is necessary.

** Accurate documentation is critical for proper reimbursement. Ensure that the anesthesia record includes all relevant details of the anesthesia care provided, including the type and amount of medication used, monitoring parameters, and any complications that were encountered.

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