At least 1 body temperature measurement equal to or greater than 35.5 degrees Celsius (or 95.9 degrees Fahrenheit) recorded within the 30 minutes immediately before or the 15 minutes immediately after anesthesia end time (Peri2)
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Body Temperature Monitoring During Anesthesia (Peri2)
Summary
This procedure involves recording a patient's body temperature to ensure it remains at or above 35.5 degrees Celsius (95.9 degrees Fahrenheit) within a specified timeframe around the end of anesthesia. It helps prevent complications from hypothermia post-anesthesia and ensure patient safety.
Purpose
Maintaining a safe body temperature is crucial to avoid complications such as hypothermia during and after surgery. The goal is to verify that the patient's temperature remains stable around the end of the anesthesia period.
Indications
- Patients undergoing surgery or any procedures requiring anesthesia.
- Individuals with existing conditions that put them at risk of hypothermia.
- Required as a standard monitoring practice in most surgical protocols.
Preparation
- Patients may need to follow pre-operative fasting guidelines.
- Specific instructions might be given based on individual health conditions (e.g., medication adjustments).
Procedure Description
- Pre-Procedure: A baseline body temperature is recorded.
- During Anesthesia: Continuous or intermittent temperature measurements are taken using tools like thermometers, temperature probes, or thermal sensors.
- End of Anesthesia: Temperature is recorded within the 30 minutes before or 15 minutes after anesthesia ends.
- Post-Procedure: Additional monitoring might be done based on recovery protocols.
Tools/equipment: Digital thermometers, temperature probes, thermal sensors. Anesthesia: Details depend on surgical requirements and patient needs.
Duration
Temperature monitoring happens throughout the procedure, but the critical recordings occur within the specified time frame around anesthesia end.
Setting
Performed in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or surgical center where anesthesia is administered.
Personnel
- Anesthesiologists
- Surgeons
- Nursing staff
- Surgical Technologists
Risks and Complications
- Minimal risks associated with the temperature recording process itself.
- Complications could arise if hypothermia is not detected and managed.
Benefits
- Prevents hypothermia.
- Ensures safer recovery from anesthesia.
- Immediate benefits realized post-surgery with better patient outcomes and comfort.
Recovery
- Post-operative monitoring of temperature and vital signs.
- Standard post-anesthetic care instructions, such as hydration and gradual return to activities.
Alternatives
- Continuous invasive core temperature monitoring might be used in high-risk cases.
- Non-invasive methods like infrared thermometry for general screening but less accurate.
Patient Experience
- Momentary discomfort due to temperature recording devices.
- Little to no pain associated with the procedure.
- Emphasis on maintaining patient comfort during and after temperature recording.
Pain Management: Typically not necessary specifically for this procedure but managed as part of overall post-surgery care.