CPT® Code 99144

Deleted

Moderate sedation services (other than those services described by codes 00100-01999) provided by the same physician or other qualified health care professional performing the diagnostic or therapeutic service that the sedation supports, requiring the presence of an independent trained observer to assist in the monitoring of the patient's level of consciousness and physiological status; age 5 years or older, first 30 minutes intra-service time

Moderate sedation services, as defined by CPT® Code 99144, refer to the administration of sedative agents to patients aged five years or older during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. These services are provided by the same physician or qualified healthcare professional who is performing the procedure that necessitates sedation. The process involves the presence of an independent trained observer whose role is to assist in monitoring the patient's level of consciousness and physiological status throughout the sedation period. Prior to the administration of sedation, a thorough patient assessment is conducted to ensure safety and appropriateness of the sedation. An intravenous line is typically inserted to facilitate the administration of fluids and sedative agents as needed. During the procedure, the patient is maintained under moderate sedation, which requires continuous monitoring of vital signs, including oxygen saturation, heart rate, and blood pressure. After the procedure is completed, the physician or qualified healthcare professional continues to monitor the patient until they have sufficiently recovered from the effects of sedation, at which point the patient can be safely handed over to nursing staff for ongoing care. It is important to note that different codes are used for patients of varying ages; specifically, CPT® Code 99143 is designated for patients younger than five years, while CPT® Code 99145 is applicable for each additional 15 minutes of intra-service time for patients of any age.