CPT
00100 — Anesthesia for procedures on salivary glands, including biopsy
Anesthesia time = base units + minutes ÷ 15. Verify the math.
Anesthesia
00731 — Anesthesia for upper GI endoscopic procedure, endoscope to proximal duodenum
This code covers anesthesia (usually propofol sedation administered by an anesthesiologist or CRNA) for upper endoscopy (EGD) procedures where a scope is passed into the stomach and beginning of the small intestine.
- Typical setting: Hospital operating room, ASC
- National avg charge (illustrative): $300–$900 depending on time; base units = 4
- Most-disputed reason: Billing 00731 when moderate sedation administered by the proceduralist should be billed as 99151–99153 instead
What it means
What 00731 actually means
This code covers anesthesia (usually propofol sedation administered by an anesthesiologist or CRNA) for upper endoscopy (EGD) procedures where a scope is passed into the stomach and beginning of the small intestine. It is separate from the procedure fee.
Common errors with this code
What goes wrong on real bills.
Most bills that look correct still contain at least one of these issues. Up to 49% of medical bills contain errors (CFPB).
- Billing 00731 when moderate sedation administered by the proceduralist should be billed as 99151–99153 instead
- Time padding: billing more 15-minute time units than documented
- Billing 00731 without correct modifiers (QS for MAC, QZ for solo CRNA, AA for personally performed)
If you see 00731 on your bill
Three steps before paying.
1. Get the itemized bill. If your statement only shows a summary, request the CPT-level itemized bill before paying. Generate the request language →
2. Cross-check against the EOB. Compare what your insurer's Explanation of Benefits says you owe versus what the hospital is asking. They disagree more often than people think. Read the bill-vs-EOB guide →
3. Run a free Bill Scan. Upload the bill (and EOB if you have it) and BillBusted will flag the most likely issues with this specific code in your specific state. Run free scan →
Related codes
Other codes in this category.
People who land on 00731 often also see these adjacent codes on the same bill.
CPT
00400 — Anesthesia for procedures on integumentary system, extremities, anterior trunk, perineum, NOS
Anesthesia time = base units + minutes ÷ 15. Verify the math.
CPT
00567 — Anesthesia for direct coronary artery bypass grafting; with pump oxygenator
Anesthesia time = base units + minutes ÷ 15. Verify the math.
CPT
00811 — Anesthesia for lower intestinal endoscopic procedure, endoscope introduced distal to duodenum
Anesthesia time = base units + minutes ÷ 15. Verify the math.
CPT
01400 — Anesthesia for open or arthroscopic procedures on knee joint
Anesthesia time = base units + minutes ÷ 15. Verify the math.
CPT
01480 — Anesthesia for open procedures on bones of lower leg, ankle, and foot
Anesthesia time = base units + minutes ÷ 15. Verify the math.
Related BillBusted guides
Plain-English reads if you see 00731 on a bill.
00731 FAQ
Plain-English answers.
What does 00731 usually cost?
$300–$900 depending on time; base units = 4. Costs vary by region, payer contract, and whether the service was performed in a hospital outpatient department (which adds a facility fee) versus a free-standing clinic.
What's the most common billing error on 00731?
Billing 00731 when moderate sedation administered by the proceduralist should be billed as 99151–99153 instead
What should I do if I see 00731 on my bill?
Request the itemized bill and the matching EOB from your insurer. Compare the units/quantity billed against what you actually received. Run a free BillBusted scan to flag the most likely errors specific to 00731 before paying.
Don't pay 00731 blindly.
The free scan tells you in under 60 seconds whether this charge looks reasonable for your situation.