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00142
Anesthesia for Lens Surgery Billing & Coding Guide
Code Description
CPT code 00142 describes anesthesia services provided for procedures involving the crystalline lens of the eye, including cataract surgery and other lens procedures. The anesthesia provider performs the pre-anesthesia evaluation, administers anesthesia, continuously monitors the patient throughout the procedure, manages the airway when necessary, and provides post-anesthesia care until the patient is safely transferred to recovery.
This code is commonly reported for cataract extraction, intraocular lens implantation or exchange, and removal of lens material. 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 00142
Report 00142 when anesthesia services are provided for lens surgery, including cataract extraction and other surgical procedures involving the crystalline lens. The anesthesia record should document continuous care from induction through transfer to postoperative recovery.
When Not to Use CPT 00142
Do not report 00142 when another anesthesia CPT code more specifically describes the ophthalmic procedure or when anesthesia is not provided by a qualified anesthesia professional. 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 lens surgery.
Documentation Checklist
✔ Medical necessity documented
✔ Lens surgery 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 monitored anesthesia care for cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation. Report CPT code 00142 for the anesthesia service.
Example 2
A patient undergoes intraocular lens exchange under general anesthesia. The anesthesia provider documents the complete anesthesia record and reports CPT code 00142.
Base Units & Reimbursement
Anesthesia reimbursement for CPT 00142 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 procedure involves lens surgery before reporting CPT code 00142.
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 the procedure involves lens surgery rather than another ophthalmic procedure with a different anesthesia CPT code.
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, monitoring, medications, 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 provided for cataract extraction. Documentation should support the diagnosis and planned lens surgery.
H26.9 – Cataract, Unspecified
This diagnosis may support medical necessity when anesthesia is required for surgical treatment of a cataract. Documentation should include clinical findings supporting surgery.
T85.22XA – Displacement of Intraocular Lens, Initial Encounter
This diagnosis may support medical necessity when anesthesia is provided for intraocular lens repositioning or lens exchange surgery. Documentation should support the complication and planned procedure.
Related Codes
00140 – Anesthesia for Procedures on the Eye
00140 is reported for eye procedures when a more specific anesthesia CPT code does not apply.
00144 – Anesthesia for Corneal Transplant Surgery
00144 describes anesthesia services provided during corneal transplant procedures.
00145 – Anesthesia for Vitreoretinal Surgery
00145 is reported for anesthesia provided during vitreoretinal procedures involving the posterior segment of the eye.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is CPT code 00142 reimbursed?
Reimbursement is calculated using anesthesia base units, documented anesthesia time, the payer's conversion factor, and applicable payment adjustments.
Does CPT code 00142 include anesthesia time?
Yes. Accurate anesthesia start and stop times are required because anesthesia time directly affects reimbursement.
Can a CRNA report CPT code 00142?
Yes. CRNAs may report CPT code 00142 when billing under applicable Medicare and commercial payer guidelines.
Is CPT code 00142 commonly used for cataract surgery?
Yes. CPT code 00142 is the anesthesia code commonly reported for cataract and other lens surgery procedures.
Can CPT code 00142 be reported for intraocular lens exchange?
Yes. It may be reported when anesthesia is provided for surgical procedures involving the crystalline lens or intraocular lens.
Category
CPT
Reimbursment
Hospital & ASC
Base Units + Time Units
Description
Code Type
Code
00142
Lens surgery
Anesthesia
Common Setting
