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00218 Anesthesia intracranial procedures in sitting pos

Anesthesia

Also known as: sitting craniotomy anesthesia, posterior fossa anesthesia sitting

Anesthesia for intracranial procedures performed in the sitting position. Covers general anesthesia for neurosurgical procedures where the patient is positioned upright or semi-sitting, typically for posterior fossa surgery.

In Plain Language

anesthesia for brain surgery in sitting position; being put to sleep for surgery at the back of the skull while sitting up

Clinical Context

Used when providing anesthesia for intracranial procedures in the sitting position, most commonly posterior fossa surgery for acoustic neuromas, cerebellar tumors, or pineal region tumors. Carries unique risks of venous air embolism, hemodynamic instability, and pneumocephalus.

RVU Information

CPT 00218 does not have a physician work RVU assigned by CMS. Anesthesia codes use a base unit + time unit system rather than standard RVUs. Contact your payer for the anesthesia conversion factor.

Billing & Documentation

Anesthesia codes are billed using base units plus time units. One time unit typically equals 15 minutes of anesthesia time. Document start and stop times, patient status (P1-P6), and any qualifying circumstances. Modifiers AA, QK, QX, or QY indicate the provider arrangement.

Specialties

anesthesiologyneuroanesthesiologyneurosurgery

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CPT code 00218?

CPT 00218 (Anesthesia intracranial procedures in sitting pos) is a Anesthesia code. Anesthesia for intracranial procedures performed in the sitting position. Covers general anesthesia for neurosurgical procedures where the patient is positioned upright or semi-sitting, typically for posterior fossa surgery.

How is anesthesia code 00218 billed?

Anesthesia code 00218 is billed using base units plus time units (1 unit = 15 minutes). Used when providing anesthesia for intracranial procedures in the sitting position, most commonly posterior fossa surgery for acoustic neuromas, cerebellar tumors, or pineal region tumors. Carries unique risks of venous air embolism, hemodynamic instability, and pneumocephalus. Used by anesthesiology, neuroanesthesiology, neurosurgery.

When is CPT 00218 used?

Used when providing anesthesia for intracranial procedures in the sitting position, most commonly posterior fossa surgery for acoustic neuromas, cerebellar tumors, or pineal region tumors. Carries unique risks of venous air embolism, hemodynamic instability, and pneumocephalus.

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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.