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00140
Anesthesia for Procedures on the Eye Billing & Coding Guide
Code Description
CPT code 00140 describes anesthesia services provided for procedures performed on the eye. The anesthesia provider is responsible for the pre-anesthesia evaluation, administration of anesthesia, continuous monitoring throughout the procedure, airway management when necessary, and post-anesthesia care until the patient is safely transferred to recovery.
This code is commonly reported for ophthalmic procedures that are not described by a more specific anesthesia CPT code. Reimbursement is based on anesthesia base units, documented anesthesia time, applicable ASA physical status modifiers, and any qualifying circumstances recognized by the payer.
When to Use CPT 00140
Report 00140 when anesthesia services are provided for surgical procedures involving the eye and no more specific anesthesia CPT code applies. The anesthesia record should document continuous care from induction through transfer to postoperative recovery.
When Not to Use CPT 00140
Do not report 00140 when another anesthesia CPT code more specifically describes the ophthalmic procedure, such as cataract or corneal transplant surgery. This code should also not be reported by the operating surgeon or for moderate sedation services reported separately under CPT guidelines.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation should include the pre-anesthesia evaluation, anesthesia start and stop times, ASA physical status, medications administered, airway management when applicable, physiologic monitoring, patient response throughout the procedure, and the post-anesthesia assessment. The operative report should support that anesthesia was provided for an eye procedure.
Documentation Checklist
✔ Medical necessity documented
✔ Eye procedure documented
✔ Pre-anesthesia evaluation completed
✔ Anesthesia start and stop times documented
✔ ASA physical status documented
✔ Complete anesthesia record maintained
Billing Examples
Example 1
An anesthesiologist administers general anesthesia for surgical repair of a traumatic globe injury. Report CPT code 00140 for the anesthesia service.
Example 2
A patient undergoes an ophthalmic procedure requiring general anesthesia. The anesthesia provider documents the complete anesthesia record and reports CPT code 00140.
Base Units & Reimbursement
Anesthesia reimbursement for CPT 00140 is determined using base units, anesthesia time units, and the payer's conversion factor. Additional reimbursement may be available when qualifying circumstances are documented and payer requirements are met.
Accurate documentation of anesthesia start and stop times, the patient's ASA physical status, and all anesthesia services performed is essential for proper reimbursement.
Coding & Billing Tips
Document Accurate Anesthesia Time
Record anesthesia start and stop times accurately, as anesthesia time directly affects reimbursement.
Verify the Surgical Procedure
Confirm the ophthalmic procedure corresponds to CPT code 00140 before submitting the claim.
Maintain Complete Documentation
Ensure the anesthesia record includes the pre-anesthesia evaluation, medications administered, physiologic monitoring, and postoperative assessment.
Common Billing Mistakes
Reporting the Wrong Anesthesia Code
Verify that a more specific ophthalmic anesthesia CPT code does not apply before billing CPT code 00140.
Incomplete Time Documentation
Failure to accurately document anesthesia start and stop times may reduce reimbursement or result in claim denial.
Incomplete Anesthesia Record
Missing documentation of ASA physical status, medications, monitoring, or postoperative evaluation may delay reimbursement.
Applicable ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Codes
Diagnosis codes should accurately reflect the documented condition and support medical necessity. The examples below are not all-inclusive.
H25.9 – Age-Related Cataract, Unspecified Eye
This diagnosis may support medical necessity when anesthesia is required for cataract surgery or another ophthalmic procedure. Documentation should identify the affected eye and planned surgery.
H33.20 – Retinal Detachment with Retinal Break, Unspecified Eye
This diagnosis may support medical necessity when anesthesia is provided for surgical repair of a retinal detachment. Documentation should support the diagnosis and operative treatment.
H11.001 – Unspecified Pterygium, Right Eye
This diagnosis may support medical necessity when anesthesia is required for surgical excision of a pterygium. Documentation should describe the condition and medical necessity for surgery.
Related Codes
00142 – Anesthesia for Lens Surgery
00142 is reported when anesthesia is provided specifically for lens procedures, including cataract surgery.
00144 – Anesthesia for Corneal Transplant Surgery
00144 describes anesthesia services provided during corneal transplant procedures.
00145 – Anesthesia for Vitreoretinal Surgery
00145 is reported when anesthesia is provided for vitreoretinal procedures involving the posterior segment of the eye.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is CPT code 00140 reimbursed?
Reimbursement is calculated using anesthesia base units, documented anesthesia time, the payer's conversion factor, and applicable payment adjustments.
Does CPT code 00140 include anesthesia time?
Yes. Accurate anesthesia start and stop times are required because anesthesia time directly affects reimbursement.
Can a CRNA report CPT code 00140?
Yes. CRNAs may report CPT code 00140 when billing under applicable Medicare and commercial payer guidelines.
Is an ASA physical status modifier required?
Most payers require an ASA physical status modifier to reflect the patient's condition during anesthesia.
Can CPT code 00140 be reported for every eye procedure?
No. Report CPT code 00140 only when a more specific ophthalmic anesthesia CPT code does not apply.
Category
CPT
Reimbursment
Hospital & ASC
Base Units + Time Units
Description
Code Type
Code
00140
Procedures on the eye
Anesthesia
Common Setting
