CMS Corrects Base Unit Value for CPT Code 00797

After being contacted by ASA, CMS has corrected an error on its website which incorrectly listed the base units for CPT Code 00797, Anesthesia for intraperitoneal procedures in upper abdomen including laparoscopy; gastric restrictive procedure for morbid obesity. The correct base unit value, 11 units, is now listed on the CMS website.

CMS has assured ASA that Medicare carriers received correct base unit information printed in the HCPCS file in late 2007, and have therefore processed all 2008 claims for 00797 at the 11 base unit value. However, some private payers may have used the incorrectly-posted base unit value from the CMS website. ASA members are encouraged to share the corrected webposting with third party payers.