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See a sample rate comparisonHealthcare providers use this code to document and receive reimbursement for visits that address moderate-level medical decision-making, often including multiple diagnoses or prescription management.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service Type | Anesthesia Anesthesia for Intrathoracic Procedures |
| Common Place of Service | 22 - On Campus Outpatient Hospital 21 - Inpatient Hospital |
| Common Modifiers | None P3 - A patient with severe systemic disease QX - Qualified nonphysician anesthetist service: With medical direction by a physician |
| Complexity Level | Moderate |
| Medicare Fee Schedule | View Medicare rates for 00520 |
National average anesthesia conversion factor for CPT 00520 by major payers:

$57.69

$55.85

$56.51

$54.58
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Cep America
Childrens Anesthesia Medical Group, Inc.
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Rate Benchmarking
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See a sample rate comparisonPayer Contract Negotiation
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See a sample payer proposalCPT 00520 vs. Other Anesthesia for Intrathoracic Procedures Codes
The CPT 00520 code is part of the Anesthesia services used for Anesthesia for Intrathoracic Procedures. It represents a moderate-complexity encounter and is one of several codes that vary based on time spent, level of medical decision-making, and documentation requirements.
The CPT 00520 code involves more provider time and moderate medical decision-making, unlike lower-level codes that require less time and simpler assessments. It typically includes multiple diagnoses, medication management, or test interpretation, leading to higher reimbursement and more detailed documentation requirements.
| Code | Complexity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 00400-CPT | Low | Anesth Skin Ext Per Atrunk, Anesthesia For Procedures On The Integumentary System On The Extremities Anterior Trunk And Perineum Not Otherwise Specified |
| 00500-CPT | Moderate | Anes Esophagus All Procedures |
| 00520-CPT | Moderate | Anesthesia For Chest Procedure, Anesthesia Services For A Procedure Involving The Interior Of The Chest. Examples Include Withdrawing Fluid And Scope-Assisted Exams. |
| 00522-CPT | Low | Anesthesia Lung Sac Biopsy, Anesthesia Services For A Surgery Of The Protective Sac Around The Lungs (Pleura). This Procedure Uses A Needle To Remove A Small Sample Of Tissue For Testing (Biopsy). |
What is a fee schedule?
A fee schedule is a list of fixed prices that healthcare providers charge for specific services, including CPT 00520. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.
Understanding the 00520 fee schedule helps patients estimate costs and providers optimize billing for accurate reimbursements.
Factors that affect fee schedules
Medicare & Medicaid Rates
Government-set reimbursement amounts
Private Insurance Rates
Negotiated rates between providers and insurance companies
Geographic Location
Costs may be higher in urban areas.
Provider Type
Hospital providers may have different rates than private practice.
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