EMPIRE MEDICARE'S POLICY FOR ANESTHESIA AND
GASTORINESTINAL ENDOSCOPY
Patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy receive
medications for anxiety, discomfort and anesthesia, as well as monitoring
during the procedure.
CPT Codes
00740 Anesthesia for upper
gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures
00810 Anesthesia for intestinal
endoscopic procedures
HCFA's National Policy
Anesthesia by the performing surgeon is not separately
reimbursable to the surgeon.
Indications and Limitations of Coverage and/or Medical
Necessity
Patients undergoing upper and lower gastrointestinal
endoscopy frequently receive medication for sedation, relief of anxiety and
discomfort. "General anesthesia or the presence of an anesthesiologist is
rarely indicated except in special circumstances. The endoscopy team should be
trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation." (Preparation of Patients for
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Guidelines for Clinical Application, American
Society Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, publication #1016).
