Wiki Anesthesia for Thoracotomy

[Melissa*Ever*Evolving]

Hello,
I have an anesthesiologist asking if there is a seperate code to report the use of a fiberoptic scope to place the double lumen tube used in a one lung ventilation case. We are reporting 00541. Is the use of the fiberoptic scope included? I would assume so since this scope is being used in the place of a usual bronchoscope, correct?

Thank you in advance!
~Melissa

 

[Michele Hannon]

Usually the double lumen tube is PLACED under direct visualization with a laryngoscope or indirect visualization with a glidescope. Usually the fiberoptic scope is used to VERIFY correct tube placement and is not separately reportable.