There are many types of anesthesia that may be administered to patients based on the service or procedure they receive during a particular encounter. It is important for you to understand how these types of anesthesia differ and why a surgeon may not always use the same variety. This is also essential to understand when interpreting the patient’s medical record.
Demonstrate the ability to distinguish the various types of anesthesia used.
Include the following aspects in the discussion:
Choose one type of commonly used anesthesia and describe it in your own words
Select one CPT code from the Anesthesia section that would use the type of anesthesia you selected
Discuss why this would be the most appropriate anesthesia that should be used for the procedure selected. Do not choose the same code to discuss as peers.
Discuss why it is necessary for medical coders to have a solid understanding of the most common types of anesthesia used.
Sample Answer
The administration of anesthesia is a critical component of medical procedures, ensuring patient comfort, pain management, and safety. There are several types, each with specific applications and considerations. Understanding these distinctions is vital for healthcare professionals, including medical coders, who interpret medical records and assign appropriate codes.
One Type of Commonly Used Anesthesia: General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is a state of controlled unconsciousness induced by anesthetic drugs, during which a patient feels no pain, has no memory of the procedure, and their muscles are completely relaxed. It's not simply "being asleep"; it's a carefully managed state where the brain's activity is suppressed, leading to a loss of sensation, consciousness, and the ability to breathe independently.
In my own words, imagine it as temporarily turning off the patient's conscious mind and body's pain responses for a surgical procedure. A team of highly trained professionals (anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists) meticulously administers medications intravenously or through inhaled gases to achieve and maintain this state. While under general anesthesia, the patient's vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, breathing) are continuously monitored and supported, often requiring mechanical ventilation because their natural breathing reflexes are suppressed. The goal is to provide a safe, pain-free, and memorable-free experience for procedures that are extensive, long, or require the patient to be completely still.
CPT Code and Appropriateness for General Anesthesia
Selected CPT Code for a procedure using General Anesthesia:
Let's select a CPT code from the Anesthesia section that would typically utilize general anesthesia.
CPT Code: 00560 - Anesthesia for procedures on the heart, great vessels of chest; with pump oxygenator.