Subsequent intensive care, per day, for the evaluation and management of the recovering very low birth weight infant (present body weight less than 1500 grams)
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Subsequent Intensive Care for Very Low Birth Weight Infants
Summary
This procedure involves ongoing, specialized medical care for very low birth weight infants (weighing less than 1500 grams) who are recovering in an intensive care unit. Each day, the medical team evaluates and manages the infant’s health to ensure continued improvement.
Purpose
This procedure addresses the needs of very low birth weight infants who require intensive care due to prematurity, underdeveloped organs, or other health complications. The goal is to stabilize the infant, support organ function, and promote healthy development until the infant can be safely discharged from intensive care.
Indications
- Infants born with a birth weight of less than 1500 grams.
- Prematurity and associated complications.
- Respiratory distress syndrome.
- Intraventricular hemorrhage.
- Neonatal infections or sepsis.
- Nutritional support needs.
Preparation
- Continuous monitoring since birth in an NICU setting.
- Initial assessments including blood tests, imaging studies, and vital signs monitoring.
- No specific pre-procedure instructions beyond ongoing neonatal intensive care protocols.
Procedure Description
- Evaluation: Daily assessment of vital signs, weight, and organ function.
- Management: Adjustments in ventilatory support, nutritional plans, fluid management, and medications.
- Technology & Tools: Incubators, ventilators, infusion pumps, and monitors for heart rate, oxygen levels, and blood pressure.
- Healthcare Provider Tasks: Pediatric nurses and neonatologists perform the evaluations and administer treatments.
- No Anesthesia: The procedure does not involve anesthesia or sedation.
Duration
Daily, continuous care conducted over 24-hour periods.
Setting
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) within a hospital.
Personnel
- Neonatologists
- Pediatric nurses
- Respiratory therapists
- Pharmacists
- Nutritionists
Risks and Complications
- Infections due to prolonged intravenous lines.
- Complications from mechanical ventilation.
- Nutritional deficiencies or imbalances.
- Developmental delays if complications arise.
Benefits
- Stabilization and improvement of the infant’s health.
- Support for growth and development of vital organs.
- Potential for earlier discharge from the NICU with ongoing improvements.
Recovery
- Gradual reduction in intensive care needs as the infant’s condition improves.
- Preparation for transition to general nursery care, and eventually, discharge home.
- Parents receive training on how to care for their preterm infant post-discharge.
- Regular follow-up appointments with pediatric specialists.
Alternatives
- Less intensive care settings may be considered if the infant's condition allows it.
- Home care with specialized medical equipment and visiting nurses, though rare for very low birth weight infants.
Patient Experience
- Infants may be in a controlled, supportive environment with minimal discomfort.
- Pain management includes sucrose solutions for minor procedures and minimal handling to reduce stress.
- Family involvement and visitation are encouraged to support bonding and emotional well-being.
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