Which CPT Codes are Used in Intensivist Billing?

Significant CPT Codes in Intensivist Billing

1. Critical Care Services (CPT 99291, CPT 99292)
   Critical care services are the cornerstone of intensivist billing. CPT code 99291 represents the first 30-74 minutes of critical care on a given calendar date. For each additional 30 minutes, CPT code 99292 is utilized. These codes encompass the comprehensive evaluation and management of critically ill patients.
2. Mechanical Ventilation Management (CPT 94002, CPT 94003)
   Mechanical ventilation is common in intensive care units. CPT code 94002 denotes the initiation of invasive ventilation, while CPT code 94003 represents daily management and subsequent assessments. Accurate coding in this area is vital for proper reimbursement.
3. Arterial Line Insertion (CPT 36620)
   Arterial line insertion, coded as 36620, involves the placement of a catheter into an artery. This procedure is crucial for continuous monitoring of blood pressure and arterial blood gases in critically ill patients.
4. Central Venous Catheterization (CPT 36556, CPT 36558)
   Central venous catheterization is coded using CPT codes 36556 (non-tunneled) and 36558 (tunneled). These codes cover the insertion and placement of catheters into central veins, facilitating the administration of medications and fluids.
5. Chest X-rays (CPT 71045, CPT 71046)
   Chest X-rays are invaluable diagnostic tools in intensive care units. CPT code 71045 signifies a frontal view, while CPT code 71046 includes both frontal and lateral views. Accurate coding ensures proper documentation of these essential imaging procedures.
6. Electrocardiogram (CPT 93005, CPT 93010)
   Electrocardiograms (ECGs) provide critical insights into a patient’s cardiac health. CPT code 93005 represents the tracing only, while CPT code 93010 includes interpretation and report. Precise coding captures the complexity of ECG monitoring.
7. Hemodynamic Monitoring (CPT 93503, CPT 93505)
   Hemodynamic monitoring is coded through CPT codes 93503 (insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter) and 93505 (right heart catheterization). These codes are essential for tracking cardiovascular parameters in critically ill patients.
8. Transfusion Services (CPT 36430, CPT 36440)
   Transfusion services, including blood and blood products, are coded using CPT codes 36430 (transfusion, blood or blood components) and 36440 (transfusion, plasma or other blood products). Accurate coding is vital for tracking these life-saving interventions.
9. Dialysis Circuit Interventions (CPT 36901, CPT 36902)
   Patients in the intensive care unit may require dialysis circuit interventions. CPT codes 36901 and 36902 cover the creation and revision of arteriovenous fistulas or grafts for hemodialysis.
10. Bedside Procedures (CPT 31500, CPT 32551)
    Bedside procedures, such as tracheostomy and endotracheal intubation, are coded using CPT codes 31500 and 32551. Accurate coding captures the intricacies of these airway management techniques.
11. Bronchoscopy (CPT 31625, CPT 31628)
    Bronchoscopy procedures, whether diagnostic or therapeutic, are coded using CPT codes 31625 and 31628. These codes encompass the visualization and treatment of the respiratory tract.
12. Nutrition Support (CPT 97802, CPT 97804)
    Nutrition support services are essential in critical care. CPT codes 97802 (medical nutrition therapy) and 97804 (nutrition monitoring and evaluation) ensure proper coding for dietary interventions.
13. Pain Management (CPT 62311, CPT 62319)
    Pain management procedures, such as epidural injections, are coded using CPT codes 62311 and 62319. These codes cover the administration of analgesics for effective pain relief.
14. Ultrasound Guidance (CPT 76937)
    Ultrasound guidance is often used during invasive procedures. CPT code 76937 indicates the use of ultrasound to assist in real-time visualization and accurate placement of instruments.
15. Wound Care (CPT 97597, CPT 97602)
    Wound care procedures, including debridement and dressings, are coded using CPT codes 97597 and 97602. These codes encompass the comprehensive management of wounds.
16. Extensive Care Plan Oversight (CPT 99361, CPT 99362)
    Extensive care plan oversight is coded through CPT codes 99361 and 99362. These codes reflect the time and effort spent by intensivists in coordinating the care of critically ill patients.
17. Medical Team Conferences (CPT 99366, CPT 99368)
    Medical team conferences involving discussions with other healthcare professionals are coded using CPT codes 99366 and 99368. Accurate coding captures the collaborative nature of critical care management.
18. Complex Chronic Care Coordination (CPT 99487, CPT 99489)
    For patients requiring complex chronic care coordination, CPT codes 99487 and 99489 are used. These codes encompass the comprehensive management of patients with multiple chronic conditions.
19. Informed Consent (CPT 99202)
    Obtaining informed consent is a crucial aspect of medical practice. CPT code 99202 is used to indicate the time and effort spent on obtaining consent for procedures and treatments.
20. Telemedicine Services (CPT 99451, CPT 99458)
    In the digital age, telemedicine plays a significant role in intensivist care. CPT codes 99451 (interprofessional telephone/Internet assessment and management service) and 99458 (remote monitoring of physiologic parameter[s]) capture remote patient interactions.
21. End-of-Life Care (CPT 99497, CPT 99498)
    Providing compassionate end-of-life care is essential. CPT codes 99497 (advance care planning) and 99498 (end-of-life discussions) reflect the time and effort spent in ensuring patients’ comfort and dignity.
22. Follow-Up Services (CPT 99024)
    Follow-up services, as indicated by CPT code 99024, involve the postoperative monitoring and assessment of patients after critical interventions.
23. Discharge Services (CPT 99238, CPT 99239)
    Discharge planning and services are coded using CPT codes 99238 (hospital discharge day management) and 99239 (hospital discharge day management; more than 30 minutes).
24. Medical Documentation (CPT 99080)
    Accurate and comprehensive medical documentation is essential for intensivist billing. CPT code 99080 represents the time spent on extensive record-keeping.
25. Unlisted Intensive Care Services (CPT 99499)
    In cases where the specific service provided doesn’t have a designated code, CPT code 99499 (unlisted evaluation and management service) is used.