CPT Code 00731: Anesthesia for Upper GI Endoscopic Procedures

CPT code 00732 refers to anesthesia for upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopic procedures, endoscope introduced proximal to duodenum; endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). ERCP is more invasive than standard upper GI procedures, and the anesthesia provider must ensure patient safety through close monitoring of vital signs and sedation management.

Monitored anesthesia care (MAC) is a type of anesthesia service where an anesthesia provider monitors the patient’s vital signs and comfort level during a procedure, typically using sedation rather than full general anesthesia. It allows the patient to remain responsive and breathe on their own while ensuring safety and managing pain or anxiety.

The G8 anesthesia modifier indicates certain deep, complex, complicated, or markedly invasive surgical procedures and is only applicable to anesthesia codes 00100, 00300, 00400, 00160, 00532, and 00920.