CPT code 00142: Anesthesia for Procedures on the Eye

Learn how to properly and accurately code, document, and bill CPT code 00142 with our guide.

What is 00142 CPT code?

American Medical Association's Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code 00142, one of the anesthesia codes, is used to report anesthesia for surgical procedures. This is specifically used for intraocular lens procedures or procedures involving the lens of the eye, such as lens surgery, cataract surgery, and refractive lens exchange.

The code covers the administration of local anesthesia, regional anesthesia, and general anesthesia.

CPT code 00142 documentation requirements

For proper documentation, the patient's medical records must include the following:

Patient's medical history
Medical necessity, such as the clinical decision-making process, detailing symptoms, diagnosis, evaluation, etc.
Anesthesia type, time, plan, management, technique, etc.
Pre-anesthesia examination and evaluation
Anesthesia procedure performed and surgical notes
Post-anesthesia recovery and handoff
Provider information

Don't forget to link the anesthesia service to the associated surgical CPT code.

CPT code 00142 billing guidelines

To ensure proper reimbursement and maintain regulatory compliance for CPT code 00142, healthcare providers must adhere to the following billing guidelines:

Base unit value should be 4
Time units are calculated in 15-minute intervals
Use modifiers to indicate provider role (e.g., -AA, -QZ) and physical status of the patient with minimal anesthesia risk to those with threat of morbidity or mortality (P1–P6)
Compliance with payer guidelines

Other relevant CPT codes

00144 – Anesthesia for corneal transplant
00170 – Anesthesia for intraoral procedures
67500 – Retrobulbar injection (if billed separately)
Modifier P5 – For markedly invasive surgical procedures

Frequently asked questions

Yes, retrobulbar blocks can be billed in conjunction with CPT code 00142, which covers anesthesia services for lens surgery such as cataract extraction or lens replacement. The retrobulbar block is a regional anesthesia technique used to numb the eye and surrounding tissues, typically administered by an anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) as part of the overall anesthesia plan.

Yes, monitored anesthesia care (MAC) can be billed under CPT code 00142 if it is medically necessary and provided by an anesthesiologist during lens surgery. MAC involves the anesthesiologist or CRNA monitoring the patient’s vital signs and giving sedation or analgesia without general anesthesia.

When billing MAC with 00142, it is important to append the appropriate HCPCS modifier -QS to indicate monitored anesthesia care services, ensuring correct reimbursement and compliance with payer requirements.

Yes, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) can bill CPT code 00142 independently when they perform the anesthesia service. When billing independently, CRNAs must use the appropriate anesthesia modifier to indicate their role—for example, -QZ for CRNA service without medical direction by a physician.