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Total body systemic hypothermia is a medical procedure specifically designed for neonates who are 28 days of age or younger, particularly those diagnosed with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). HIE is a serious condition that arises from a lack of adequate oxygen supply to the brain and spinal cord, often due to perinatal asphyxia. The procedure involves cooling the entire body or just the head of the neonate to a temperature range of 91.4°F (33°C) to 93.2°F (34°C). This cooling process is most effective when initiated within six hours following delivery, as it can significantly mitigate the neurological damage associated with HIE. The cooling is typically maintained for a duration of 72 hours, during which the infant's temperatures are meticulously monitored through various methods, including rectal, nasopharyngeal, scalp, and abdominal skin temperature assessments. Additionally, vital metabolic, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and coagulation laboratory measurements are conducted at predetermined intervals to ensure the neonate's safety and response to the treatment. Following the cooling phase, the procedure includes a gradual rewarming process that spans approximately four hours. For billing purposes, the CPT® Code 0260T is utilized to report each day of total body systemic hypothermia performed on eligible neonates.
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The procedure of total body systemic hypothermia is indicated for neonates who are 28 days of age or younger and are diagnosed with the following condition:
The procedure of total body systemic hypothermia involves several critical steps to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment:
Post-procedure care involves careful monitoring of the neonate as they transition from the hypothermic state back to normal body temperature. Healthcare providers will continue to assess the neonate's vital signs and overall condition during the rewarming phase. It is essential to observe for any signs of complications or adverse reactions that may arise as the body temperature normalizes. Additionally, ongoing evaluations of neurological function and other health parameters will be conducted to determine the effectiveness of the hypothermia treatment and to plan further care as needed.
| Short Descr | HYPTHRM BDY NEONATE 28D/ | Medium Descr | TOT BODY SYST HYPOTHER NEONATE AGE 28 DAYS/ | Long Descr | Total body systemic hypothermia, per day, in the neonate 28 days of age or younger | Status Code | Carriers Price the Code | Global Days | YYY - Carrier Determines Whether Global Concept Applies | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates | Type of Service (TOS) | 1 - Medical Care | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | none | MUE | Not applicable/unspecified. | CCS Clinical Classification | 231 - Other therapeutic procedures |
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