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Anesthesia Coding Alert

Reimbursement:
Don't Miss the Latest News on the EHR Incentive Program
Good news: Anesthesiologists can still qualify for some exemptions. The final rule on... Read more
News and Notes:
Initial ICD-10 Claims Garner High Success Rate
Plus – Meet this MAC’s signature requirement for appeals. Although ICD-10 ... Read more
Pain Management:
Focus on Interlaminar Levels, Not Just Injection Frequency
Tip: These 4 reminders will help you find success. If you code for pain management ser... Read more
Reader Question:
Pin Severe Systemic Disease With P6
Question: Which physical status modifiers should be used for a patient with severe ... Read more
Reader Question:
Go Ahead and Submit 00851 With Z30.2
Question: While trying to bill anesthesia during a tubal ligation with 00851 and d... Read more
Reader Question:
Verify the Best Modifier for Anesthesia Assistant
Question: If a physician is medically directing one CRNA and one anesthesia assista... Read more
Reader Question:
Drop Modifier From 62310 or 62311 Claim
Question: When our physician administers more than one interlaminar epidural inject... Read more
Reader Question:
Count Percentages to Reach Appropriate Burn Code
Question: Which anesthesia codes are used for burn excision/debridement? Alaska S... Read more
Reader Question:
Tackle Pre-op Cancellation With E/M Codes
Question: The anesthesiologist completed the standard preoperative visit but believ... Read more
Reader Question:
Look for New Paravertebral Thoracic Block Codes in 2016
Question: My physician documented that he placed a thoracic paravertebral block for... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Know Which Codes Crosswalk for Grafting
Question: Which anesthesia code corresponds with the grafting procedure using a mus... Read more
Teaching Rules:
Ensure You're Accounting for Anesthesia Services by Multiple Providers
Know when – or when not – to code separately for additional services. Many... Read more
ICD-10:
Check How Well You Followed Essential ICD-10 Implementation Steps
Watching these 5 areas will help your transition succeed. The official shift to ICD-10... Read more
Compliance:
Take 8 Steps to Avoid Falling Prey to Medical ID Thieves
Be warned: Beneficiaries, practice employees are potential targets. Stories of identit... Read more
ICD-10:
Choose Between 2 Codes for Hysterectomy Diagnosis
Relax: The descriptors are already familiar. With approximately 20 CPT® codes add... Read more
Reader Question:
Note the Surgical Option for Coding Vena Cava Filter Removal
Question: How do we bill for anesthesia care when a surgeon removes a vena cava fil... Read more
Reader Question:
01952 and 01953 Will Take Care of Burn Debridement
Question: Our physician administered anesthesia for burn excision and debridement t... Read more
Reader Question:
Grafting Crosswalks to Multiple Anesthesia Possibilities
Question: Which anesthesia code corresponds with a grafting procedure using a muscl... Read more
Reader Question:
Start With 00600 for Anesthesia During Rhizotomy
Question: What are the correct anesthesia codes for facet rhizotomy? Tennessee Su... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Billing Contrast With Epidural Injection
Question: Our physician does lumbar epidural steroid injections in the office with ... Read more
CPT® Update:
Start Thinking Now About New Codes for 2016
Plus, watch injection changes for pain management. September is here, and with it come... Read more
ICD-10:
Take This Last-Minute Advice to Smooth Your ICD-10 Transition
CMS calls testing period a success, but watch 4 things in your claims. If your practic... Read more
ICD-10:
Ask for More Details in Tachycardia Cases
The first-stop descriptor isn’t always your best choice. A patient having a hist... Read more
Reader Question:
Turn to 01610 When Axillary Lymphatics Are Involved
Question: The surgeon performed an axilliary sentinel node biopsy in conjunction wi... Read more
Reader Question:
Look at Purpose to Determine TAP Catheter Code
Question: What is a TAP catheter, and how should we code for using one? Florida S... Read more
Reader Question:
Support Your Controlled Hypotension Claim
Question: What should we document on the anesthesia record for a case involving con... Read more
Reader Question:
Tackling 62310 and 62311 for Payers Still Following 2014 RVU's
Question: The RVUs for 62310 and 62311 were raised in 2015 to include payment for 7... Read more
Reader Question:
Stay on Top of Medicare Opt-Out Changes
Question: Our practice has chosen to opt out of Medicare. I heard that there’... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Brush Up on Guidelines for Reporting G9363
Question: Our anesthesiologist used active warming to keep the patient’s body... Read more
Code Update:
Start Preparing for Big Changes to Your Epidural Codes
CPT® 2016 will overhaul the familiar section, plus paravertebral facet nervedestruct... Read more
ICD-10:
Get the Scoop on 4 Things Related to the ICD-10 Grace Period
CMS offers more updates on how the transition will occur. CMS announced on July 6 that... Read more
Fraud Avoidance:
Don't Fall Victim to These Compliance Misconceptions
Know where you stand on these 10 issues. Someone in your office is thinking about com... Read more
Reader Questions:
Get Clear Documentation of Anesthesia During IV Infusion
Question: Our CRNA provided anesthesia during a 14-year-old autistic patient’... Read more
Reader Questions:
Step Away From Traditional "Fee-For-Service" Arrangements
Question: When a surgery is performed in an ASC under general anesthesia, can the A... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Verify Payer Guidelines Before Submitting P Modifiers
Question: I’m new to anesthesia coding and don’t understand when and ho... Read more
Compliance:
Verify That You're in Line with OIG Regs for Medical Directorships
Staying up-to-date with anti-kickback laws will help keep you in the clear. The OIG (O... Read more
Billing:
Follow These 4 Rules to Stay on Track With Locum Tenens Claims
Remember: You can’t bill locum tenens for ‘extra help.’ Summertime m... Read more
ICD-10:
Tachycardia Descriptor Will Remain the Same, But Your Usage Might Change
Rely on the index to keep your coding for sinus tachycardia on the right path. Cardiac... Read more
Reader Questions:
Report from Series 00100-01999 When Anesthesiologist Provides the Service
Question: What is the correct anesthesia coding guideline when a CRNA supplies MAC ... Read more
Reader Questions:
99358 and 99359 Are Not Separately Payable
Question: Can we bill 99358 in Florida? If yes, what is the reimbursement? Florid... Read more
Reader Questions:
To Code Correctly, Know Who Did the Epidurography
Question: Our non-medically directed CRNA often provides the anesthesia service (01... Read more
Reader Questions:
Stick With Regular C-section Codes for EXIT Procedure
Question: One of my anesthesiologists wants to know if anesthesia can bill for an E... Read more
Reader Questions:
Medicare Shares ICD-10 Help With 'Road to 10'
Question: Our entire office is pitching in to prepare for the switch over to ICD-10... Read more
Reader Questions:
Does Secure Communication Include Patient Consent?
Question: Is patient consent required under HIPAA to allow secure encrypted communi... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Coding for Vaginal Delivery + Emergency Hysterectomy
Question: I’m coding for an urgent hysterectomy following vaginal delivery. T... Read more
Reimbursement:
Correct Calculations Are Your Ticket to Field Avoidance Pay
Know when your payers will allow you to add extra units. When your anesthesiologist do... Read more
ICD-10:
Watch for More Codes to Explain Complications of Emphysema
You’ll move from two diagnosis options to five. Underlying conditions can make a... Read more
Modifier News:
Stop Fretting Over How to Implement New X {ESPU} Modifiers
CMS reps say you can keep reporting modifier 59 as usual. If you’re still lookin... Read more
Patient Privacy:
Answer These 7 Questions to Keep on Track With HIPAA Compliance
Heads up: Security checks are not enough. As the number of anesthesia practices moving... Read more
Reader Questions:
Watch CCI Edits Before Filing 64415 for Post-Op Nerve Block
Question: Our anesthesiologists are performing nerve blocks with ultrasound guidanc... Read more
Reader Questions:
Submit 782.0 for Your Allodynia Diagnosis
Question: What is the best diagnosis code for allodynia? Alabama Subscriber Ans... Read more
Reader Questions:
Focus on Reason for Procedure When Choosing a Diagnosis
Question: Should the ICD-9 placed on the 1500 claim form be related to the procedur... Read more
Reader Questions:
Know Who Need to Receive Updated NPPs
Question: Our office is updating our Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP) to include the ne... Read more
Reader Questions:
Check With Payer On Whether to Bundle Imaging and Epidural Procedures
Question: We like to seek guidance on the inclusion of imaging guidance in the epid... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Know How to Report Perioperative Temperature Management
Question: While using active warming, two of the patient’s body temperature m... Read more
CCI 21.1:
Don't Miss the 3 Types of Procedures That New Coding Edits Affect
Plus: Pay attention to when you might be able to break the bundle. The latest round of... Read more
Reimbursement:
Say "Good-Bye" to the SGR Formula, "Hello" to ICD-10
Plus: Extra pay could be coming your way this summer.  The Medicare Access and CH... Read more
ICD-10:
Work With the Surgeon to Determine the Correct Cerebral Edema Diagnosis Code
Heads up: You’ll have multiple options beginning Oct. 1. When your provider admi... Read more
Reader Questions:
Payers Need to Pay Claims Within Defined Time Frames
Question: What is Medicare’s prompt payment law? Does it specify “days&... Read more
Reader Questions:
Lidocaine Bundles Up With Other Injection Codes
Question: Our physicians want to replace their current injection process for ESIs a... Read more
Reader Questions:
Report "In Attendance" for Upper GI Services With 00740
Question: Our anesthesiologist was “in attendance” during an inpatient surge... Read more
Reader Questions:
Bilateral Administration Changes Selective Nerve Root Injection Coding
Question: Our physician’s op note states that he administered four selective ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Check Necessity When Coding for IV Sedation
Question: Our CRNA was called into the hospital emergency room to provide intubation ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Verify Sufficient Documentation Before Reporting Vent Management Separately
Question: Can we bill Medicare for intubation (31500) and ventilation assist/manage... Read more
Reader Questions:
Subclavian Vein Catheter Placement Means 36556
Question: One of our physicians is asking about the correct code for placement of a... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Know When Anesthesiologists Can Submit Modifier 50
Question: Can anesthesia codes be billed with modifier 50? For example, can 00120... Read more
Discontinued Procedures:
Watch the Clock to Know When Modifier 53 Might Apply
Plus: Document the specific reason for case cancellation.  The descriptor for mod... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
Don't Miss the Latest on ICD-10 Implementation
CMS says test claim submissions are going well. It appears that ICD-10 really will be ... Read more
Comparison:
Turn to Modifier 52 for Reduced - Not Discontinued - Service
Don’t get confused by similarities.  When deciding which modifier applies t... Read more
ICD-10 Coding:
Verify Perforations With Surgeon Before Choosing Diverticulosis Code
Tip: ICD-10 combines some code choices for small intestine. Many times, you aren&rsquo... Read more
Reader Questions:
31500 Doesn't Allow Separate Billing for Standard Anesthesia
Question Can anesthesia procedures be billed separately for an emergency endotrache... Read more
Reader Questions:
Catch the Correct PQRS Codes for Cataract Surgery
Question: What will be the correct PQRS codes (Measure #193) for cataract surgery u... Read more
Reader Question:
Keep 4 Points in Mind for Post-op Pain Management Injections
Question: We’ve recently begun to receive claims for payment for 01402 and 62311 o... Read more
Reader Question:
Add On +64495 for Multiple Paravertebral Joint Levels
Question: Our physician administers injections into paravertebral facet joints. The... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Understand Options for Post-op Continuous Canal Block
Question: How do you code an adductor canal block continuous catheter for post-op p... Read more
Research:
Use This Tool to Educate Your Providers About Understanding Post-op Chronic Pain
New study from ASA highlights new ways to help certain surgery patients.  Many fa... Read more
ICD-10:
Ask Yourself: How Prepared Are We for ICD-10 Implementation?
Focusing on these areas will get you ready. The final countdown to ICD-10 is on, so it... Read more
Patient Privacy:
Get the Scoop on 5 Possible Trends in 2015
Experts predict state law claims will continue to facilitate breach lawsuits.  Co... Read more
Reader Question:
Note the Number of CRNAs Before Appending Modifiers
Question: When an anesthesiologist is medically supervising less than four CRNAs would w... Read more
Reader Question:
Check With the State's Compensation Policy to Code for FCE
Question: Our physician orders functional testing as a precaution for prescribing c... Read more
Reader Question:
Always Append Modifier 59 with Pain Block Code
Question: We do billing for both the anesthesiologist and the CRNA. We have had a c... Read more
Reader Question:
Remember Medicare Doesn't Want 77003 With 62310-62319
Question: There is so much confusion regarding billing 62310 and 62311 with 77003. ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Know How to Correctly Code your Anesthesia Preparation Time
Question: What are the minimum documentation requirements in order to be compliant ... Read more
Monitoring:
Remember These Top Tips for Successful Swan-Ganz Coding
Hint: It’s all about the associated CVP line. Most services your anesthesiologis... Read more
ICD-10:
Manage Your Anesthesia Coding for Broken Bones With 2 Precise Steps
Take a look at the musculoskeletal system to handle documentation complexities. Fractu... Read more
Compliance:
Let CMS Help With Establishing Your Group's Compliance Plan
Start your framework now, before its use is required.   The Affordable Care Act... Read more
Reader Question:
Here's How to Report New Joint Injection Codes with Fluoro Guidance
Question: The new joint injections codes 20604, 20606, and 20611 specify an injecti... Read more
Reader Question:
Continue Using Modifier 59 When Appropriate
Question: I have a question regarding the new modifiers (XE, XS, XP, and XU) that c... Read more
Reader Question:
Choose Between 00700 and 00800 for Excisional Biopsy of Abdominal Wall
Question: The physician excises an abnormal mass from within the muscle layer benea... Read more
Reader Question:
64479-64484 Will Include All Selective Nerve Root Block
Question: What would be the CPT® code for selective nerve root block? Illinois Sub... Read more
Reader Question:
Submit Dictation and Supporting Documentation for 64999
Question: I’ve read that we should report 64999 for radiofrequency of the lum... Read more
Reader Question:
It's Time to Include Technology in Communication Options
Question: Should we develop some sort of consent form for patients to sign if they ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Reporting 31500 With Anesthesia Service
Question: Do we bill anesthesia separately for an emergency endotracheal intubation... Read more
Post-operative Care:
Follow These Do's and Don'ts of Reporting 01996
Let these 3 scenarios guide when you code for daily hospital management. The anesth... Read more
Coding Foundation:
Understand the Basics of Reporting 01996
CCI and CPT® help clarify when the code applies. Code 01996 (Daily hospital manage... Read more
ICD-10:
Ask for Clear Documentation for Reporting Acute on Chronic Respiratory Failure
Code choices will hinge on presence of hypercapnia or hypoxia. Treating patients who h... Read more
Auditing:
Take 4 Steps to Reach Chart Sampling Success
Which of the three sampling methods will work best for your practice? Performing chart... Read more
Reader Question:
TPI Code Could Work for Rectus Abdominis Muscle Injection
Question: I’m coding for an injection to the rectus abdominal muscle sheath. ... Read more
Reader Question:
Decide Which PQRS Measures to Track in 2015
Question: What PQRS measures should we be reporting for anesthesia in 2015? Wyomi... Read more
Reader Question:
Meet All the Criteria Before Reporting Bilateral Injections
Question: We have been facing challenges for reporting bilateral procedures like in... Read more
Reader Question:
File 01999 for MAC During Elbow Plasma Injection
Question: The surgeon requested that my anesthesiologist provide MAC during an elbo... Read more
Reader Question:
Use E/M Codes – Not 01996 – for Lumbar Drain Follow-Up
Question: Our pain management physician inserted a lumbar drain and wants to leave ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Separate Ultrasound Code With Anesthesia Service
Question: One of our anesthesia providers has asked about billing for ultrasound gu... Read more
Reimbursement Refresher:
Watch for Shifts from Medical Direction to Supervision and What It Means to Your Fees
Experts say documentation of time is a common – but fixable – error.  ... Read more
News Flash:
Get Ready for Extra Scrutiny of Modifier AA Claims in 2015
Plus: Incorrect place of service coding could also get you in trouble.  Anesthesi... Read more
ICD-10:
Get Details from Surgeon for Ulcerative Colitis Coding
Heads up: You’ll need to know more than the location, beginning in October.  ... Read more
Reader Question:
Know the Spinal Locations When Reporting 62280-62282
Question: How can I differentiate between injection/infusion codes 62280-62282? Spe... Read more
Reader Question:
Confirm Pump Placement or Anesthesia Before Coding
Question: When the surgeon places a port for chemotherapy access, the patient might requ... Read more
Reader Question:
Determine Most Complex Anesthesia Code for Multiple Services
Question: Can you guide me as to how to code for multiple anesthesia services for t... Read more
Reader Question:
Yes, a CRNA Can Bill Anesthesia for Colonoscopy
Question: Our physicians want to add a CRNA to help with any cases, but especially ... Read more
Reader Question:
Choose 721.3 for Lumbar Facet Osteoarthritis if Possible
Question: When researching codes for lumbar facet osteoarthritis, I found 721.3 and... Read more
Reader Question:
Grasp the Difference Between 'Unspecified' and 'Other Specified' in ICD-10
Question: I have seen lots of great ICD-9 to ICD-10 crosswalks, but it seems like t... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Remember This About 0232T
Question: A surgeon requested that our anesthesiologist provide MAC during an elbow... Read more
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