Search Search
Advanced Search

Anesthesia Coding Alert

Coding Basics:
Unusual Circumstances? Remember These 4 Steps Before Appending Modifier 23.
Let patient-specific details guide your choice. Modifier 23, unusual anesthesia, monitore... Read more
Diagnosis Coding:
Consider These Points When Choosing Cervical Disc Disorder Diagnoses
Check whether a single diagnosis code will suffice. When you're trying to pinpoint the m... Read more
Reimbursement:
Follow These 5 Steps to Improve Your Appeals Success
Tip: Know your “why” to better explain it to the insurer. Having the ability to appe... Read more
Reader Questions:
Consider These Points Before Appealing a Denial
Question: Our physician was providing anesthesia during a screening colonoscopy when the g... Read more
Reader Questions:
Code 99313 Is Often the Best Option for TEE
Question: One of our CRNAs wants to bill 93318 for a TEE (transesophageal echocardiograph... Read more
Reader Questions:
Remember This Detail About MAC
Question: The case I'm billing for was scheduled as MAC (monitored anesthesia care). The a... Read more
Reader Questions:
Here’s Your Explanation of Anesthesia Time
Question: I'm new to anesthesia coding. Can you explain what's meant by “anesthesia time... Read more
Reader Questions:
Classify “Retinal Migraine” as “Migraine with Aura”
Question: Our pain management provider diagnosed a patient with “retinal migraine.” I'... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Lean Toward This Code for Post-op Bier Bock
Question: What is the appropriate CPT® code for a postoperative Bier block for pain manag... Read more
Procedure Focus:
Code Retrobulbar Blocks Based on Other Service Offered, Payer Guidelines
Choose carefully between surgical and anesthesia code options. Retrobulbar block placemen... Read more
Reimbursement:
Appealing Medicare Denials? Take This Expert Advice to the Bank
Dig for details that will help your cause. Appealing Medicare claims decisions you beli... Read more
Practice Management:
Incorporate These 3 Tips to Smooth New Provider Onboarding
Hint: Lay the foundation with stellar organization. Fall can mean an influx of new prov... Read more
Reader Questions:
Pay Attention to Which Group of MAC Codes to Use
Question: Should we report monitored anesthesia care (MAC) in addition to the procedure c... Read more
Reader Questions:
POS 11 Is Legitimate for Anesthesia Services
Question: My anesthesiologist has been asked to perform anesthesia in an office surgi... Read more
Reader Questions:
Turn to 01996 Rather Than 99231 for Epidural Follow-up
Question: Our anesthesia providers do rounds on patients following delivery to check on th... Read more
Reader Questions:
Forearm Lesion Excision Crosses to 00400
Question: One of our providers excised a malignant lesion on the patient's forearm under g... Read more
Reader Questions:
Get Familiar with the Difference Between “Exacerbation” and “Chronic”
Question: Please settle this debate. One of our providers is saying that we should always ... Read more
Reader Questions:
No, You Cannot Withhold Records Because of Balance
Question: One of our patients has a sizable balance and hasn't responded to requests for p... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Submit This for Nasogastric Tube Placement
Question: I bill for a children's hospital and a small child was brought to the OR and ane... Read more
Documentation:
Follow These 4 Steps to ‘Unlisted Procedure’ Success
Keep your supporting documentation simple but clear. Every coder wants to be as specific... Read more
Coverage:
Take a Fresh Look at Your State’s Telehealth Laws
Hint: All doesn't remain equal across state lines. Telehealth services and the waivers an... Read more
Diagnosis Coding:
These Upcoming ICD-10 Changes Factor into Patient Circumstances
Pay special attention to the options in 3 categories. When ICD-10-CM changes go into ef... Read more
Reader Questions:
Stick with Cervical/Thoracic Code for Block to T12-L1
Question: The pain management provider administered medial branch blocks at T10 -T11 and T... Read more
Reader Questions:
Start with 00400 for Anesthesia During Dressing Change
Question: What is the correct code for reporting a dressing change under sedation? P... Read more
Reader Questions:
Get Documentation in Order to Justify Medical Necessity
Question: How do you handle the medical necessity for anesthesia on a procedure that, acco... Read more
Reader Questions:
Watch Payer for Use of Modifier PT
Question: On a recent audit, I had a deduction for the use of the PT modifier. I've been t... Read more
Reader Questions:
Report Tendon Sheath Injections with 20550
Question: I'm new to pain management, but it seems like I'm always coding for a tendon sh... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Use This Simple Solution to Report More Modifiers
Question: We are billing for anesthesia and have a Blue Shield claim that needs five modif... Read more
Line Placement:
Ask Yourself 5 Questions Before Coding Central Venous Catheter Insertion
Drill down to the details for easy code selection. When you code central venous catheter ... Read more
Claim Details:
Remember Your Modifiers with Line Placements
Check whether your payer requires 59. Because providers normally perform line placements ... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
Zero in on More Specific Diagnoses for Low Back Pain
Look ahead to code changes in October. Fall brings cooler weather and changing leaves –... Read more
Government:
Here’s How Lessons from Pandemic Led to Technology Legislation
Broadband bills aim to balance inequities. Data gathered during the pandemic has led to... Read more
Reader Questions:
Insurer Might Want Modifier 22 for Overly Long L&D Case
Question: One of our private insurers previously processed claims for labor epidurals with... Read more
Reader Questions:
Yes, You Can Code for Anesthesia During ESIs—Sometimes
Question: What anesthesia code do you bill when anesthesia is performed for transforaminal... Read more
Reader Questions:
Gather Rib Fixation Details before Choosing Crosswalk
Question: I'm coding for anesthesia during rib fixation surgery. What's your advice o... Read more
Reader Questions:
Begin Your Venous Insufficiency Diagnosis Search with I87.2
Question: A CRNA performed an IV insertion on a patient who was in the GI lab. The reason ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Feds Are Still Enforcing Patients’ Right of Access to Records
Question: We had an interesting discussion in our office recently about giving patients ac... Read more
Reader Questions:
Know the Differences Between Venipuncture Code Families
Question: Aside from the age restrictions specified in the descriptors, what is the differ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Turn Here for Anesthesia During Open Cholecystectomy
Question: A patient scheduled for an open cholecystectomy was found to have severe gangren... Read more
Line Placement:
This Simple Checkpoint Will Confirm Whether Separate Swan-Ganz Coding Is Correct
Hint: Location always matters. In most of the cases you code, all the services provided ... Read more
Line Coding Basics:
All Lines Are Not Created Equal
Here's how you should code the most common categories. An anesthesia provider often uses ... Read more
Compliance:
Pay Attention to State Rules in the Post-Pandemic Health World
Note: You're especially at risk if services cross state lines. If you code for services t... Read more
Patient Privacy:
Don’t Let Pandemic Priorities Overshadow HIPAA Rules
Brush up on the basics – and associated penalties. If your organization is digging out ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Submit 64400 for Masseter Muscle Injection
Question: Our pain management specialist wants to administer a bilateral masseter muscle i... Read more
Reader Questions:
Bill for Time of Canceled Case, but Don’t Include Modifier 53
Question: My provider was scheduled to perform a Vertiflex on a patient in the ASC. After ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Meet the “7 Rules” Before Reporting Medical Direction
Question: I'm new to anesthesia coding. Can you explain the medical direction “rules” ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don’t Fret Over the Shift to ICD-11 Yet
Question: I listened in on a webinar recently where the speaker said to prepare now for IC... Read more
Reader Questions:
Begin in S13 Code Family for Neck Sprain Diagnosis
Question: My pain management specialist treated a patient who was complaining of neck pain... Read more
Reader Questions:
PCA Placement Isn’t Billable by Anesthesiologist
Question: I have a case in which a patient was not a candidate for a labor epidural. The p... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Report This for Anesthesia During Nasogastric Tube Placement
Question: I bill for a pediatric hospital. A small child was brought to the OR and anesthe... Read more
Obstetrics Care:
Focus on These 4 Areas to Ease Your Labor Epidural Coding
Accurate documentation can carry the claim. An anesthesia claim is based on a combination... Read more
Diagnosis Coding:
Reporting Sciatica Is Simple – When You Watch These Details
Pay special attention to accompanying conditions. Before you assign ICD-10-CM codes to an... Read more
Documentation:
Get the Details You Need by Crafting Clear Queries
Tip: Start by educating yourself to avoid losing credibility. Crafting an easily under... Read more
Reader Questions:
Append a Modifier to Report Return to Surgery
Question: I am coding for a Medicare patient who returned to the OR for chest exploration ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Verify Documentation for +76937 with Line Placement
Question: Can we receive separate payment from Medicare or Medicaid when the physician use... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don’t Report 01967 for Non-Obstetric Epidurals
Question: Some surgeons have started requesting that our providers use epidural anesthesia... Read more
Reader Questions:
Getting Patient Approval of Secure Communication
Question: Is patient consent required under HIPAA before we can share encrypted communicat... Read more
Reader Questions:
Remember These Criteria Before Billing Consultations
Question: Our pain management specialist offered consultation services to a patient who wa... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Choose This Code for Erector Spinae Block
Question: I've reported CPT® code 64999 for an erector spinae pain block for years, but m... Read more
Procedure Focus:
Make Sense of Your Code Choices to Ensure Endoscopic GI Claims Success
Hint: Your best starting point is confirming screening vs. diagnostic. Endoscopic and GI ... Read more
Documentation:
Check for Other Modifiers During GI Procedures
Include every detail of the service in your claim. Many anesthesiologists administer MAC ... Read more
Procedure Focus:
Let This Q&A Clear Up Your Chemodenervation Questions
Pay attention to details such as accompanying services you can report. When your pain man... Read more
Compliance:
Stay on Track with OCR Guidance Surrounding COVID-19
Sharing patient information with authorities shouldn't cross privacy lines. Although we'r... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don’t Include +01969 if Patient Has No Labor Analgesia
Question: I am coding for a patient who did not have labor analgesia but later had anesthe... Read more
Reader Questions:
Pay Attention to Purpose of 62322 Before Pinpointing Anesthesia Code
Question: Is it appropriate to bill monitored anesthesia care (MAC) anesthesia for a cauda... Read more
Reader Questions:
Begin with 01936 for Anesthesia During Kyphoplasty
Question: One of our physicians is questioning whether 01936 accurately reflects the work ... Read more
Reader Questions:
No “Status Migrainosus” Mentioned in Notes? Go with G43.509
Question: Notes indicate that the provider performed an office/outpatient evaluation and m... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Reporting J2795 and 64450 Together
Question: When we file J2795 with 64450, we get denials stating the codes are bundled. Is ... Read more
Teamwork:
Make the Most of Claims With Multiple Anesthesia Providers
Watch your modifiers for correct accountability – and don't forget GC. It's not uncomm... Read more
Coding Tip:
Get Clarity From These Expanded Modifier Descriptors
Hint: They might give new coders a clearer understanding. The Relative Value Guide (RVG) ... Read more
Practice Management:
Stay on Top of OSHA’s Latest COVID-19 Guidelines
Remember your responsibility to staff, not only patients. In the ever-changing world of h... Read more
Partnerships:
Be Sure Your BAs Are on Board with HIPAA – Before It’s Too Late
Remember they're under the same HIPAA regulations as your practice. One of your most crit... Read more
Reader Questions:
Code 00630 Applies to Discontinued Vertiflex Procedure
Question: Our anesthesia provider began administering MAC (monitored anesthesia care) and ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Think “Belly Button” for Upper/Lower Dividing Line
Question: I'm attempting to code anesthesia during a colectomy. Where would the incis... Read more
Reader Questions:
Remember That 01967 Is Specific to Obstetrics
Question: My surgeons have started using epidural anesthesia in lieu of general anesthesia... Read more
Reader Questions:
Ensure Supporting Documentation Before Shifting from 00630 to 00670
Question: One of our providers uses 00630 for a lumbar microdiscectomy. Can the procedure ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Turn to 36400 or 36410 for Difficult Venipuncture
Question: How do I code for venipuncture when the anesthesiologist is called to perform a ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Choose an E/M Code for Lumbar Drain Placement Follow-up
Question: Our anesthesiologist placed a lumbar drain that was left intact for several days... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Epidural Insertion Code Outweighs Time Factor
Question: What amount of time should we include on the claim for epidural removal followin... Read more
Coding Refresher:
Yes, You Can Automatically Add Extra Base Units to Some Procedures
How? It's all thanks to these circumstances. As an anesthesia coder, you know that the nu... Read more
Practice Management:
Think Twice Before Mandating COVID Vaccines for Staff
Learn the facts and be prepared for questions. To protect both patients and staff against... Read more
Compliance:
Know Who Counts as ‘Healthcare Personnel’ Related to COVID-19
Hint: The list might be longer than you expect. As COVID-19 vaccination becomes more wide... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Use This as Anesthesia Code for 43752
Question: I bill for a children's hospital and a small child was brought to the OR and ane... Read more
Reader Questions:
Begin Your Compounded Drug Claim with the Correct J Code
Question: Every time I think we've figured out how to bill for pain pump refill medication... Read more
Reader Questions:
Rely on Surgical Note for Anesthesia Code Clues When Possible
Question: What do you find to be the best place to pull the diagnosis for anesthesia servi... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look at Low-level E/M When Patient Expires Before Surgery
Question: A patient with a stab wound to the right chest wall (with hemopneumothorax) was ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Turn to Standard C-section Codes for EXIT Procedure
Question: One of my anesthesiologists is asking whether we can bill for an EXIT procedure ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Choose from R20 Family for Allodynia Diagnosis
Question: What is the best diagnosis code for allodynia? Oklahoma Subscriber Answer: All... Read more
Reader Questions:
‘In Attendance’ for Upper GI Care Usually Translates to 00731
Question: Our anesthesiologist was “in attendance” during an inpatient surgery but nev... Read more
Reader Questions:
Employ Your Math Skills to Reach Correct Burn Codes
Question: Which anesthesia codes are used to report burn excision or debridement? Montana... Read more
Anesthesia Tactics:
Follow These 3 Steps to Understand TIVA vs. MAC
Hint: Think administration, not patient state. While most patient records you code from w... Read more
Diagnosis Focus:
Keep This Guide Handy for Resolving Back Pain Diagnoses
Plus: Get real-world help with the M54.- codes. Back pain is no laughing matter, whether... Read more
Compliance:
Learn Your Lesson from These Fraud and Abuse Cases
Don't set yourself up to be a DOJ target. If you thought still dealing with a pandemic wo... Read more
Reader Questions:
Report ‘Unlisted’ for Anesthesia During EEG
Question: An EEG was performed on a patient under general anesthesia due to behaviora... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use the Correct ABN Form in 2021
Question: How do I know whether I'm using the correct advanced beneficiary notice (AB... Read more
Reader Questions:
Submit Either 64487 or 64489 for a TAP Catheter
Question: What is a TAP catheter, and what's the correct code for it? Illinois Subscriber... Read more
Reader Questions:
Get Specific with your Achilles Injury Diagnosis
Question: A patient received pain treatment for a right Achilles injury; there is no other... Read more
Reader Questions:
Follow These Tips to Protect Your Practice from Scams
Question: What's the difference between phishing and vishing, and how can we protect ourse... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Steer Clear of This Code for Non-obstetric Epidural
Question: Some surgeons have started requesting that our providers use epidural anesthesia... Read more
Standby Service:
Follow This Advice for 99360 – or Get Left Standing on Your Own
Documentation and length of time are crucial factors. A surgeon asking an anesthesiologis... Read more
CPT® Check:
Ignore This Code When Reporting Standby Service
Don't get tripped up by L&D option. CPT® has only one code in the E/M section repres... Read more
Procedure Focus:
Get Your Diagnosis Straight Before Reporting These Injections
Hundreds of associated conditions make clearing through the clutter imperative. Injection... Read more
HIPAA:
Watch These Dos and Don’ts to Protect Patient PHI During COVID-19
The feds have sanctioned some HIPAA flexibility measures during the PHE. Even though you ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Remember This When Coding Swan-Ganz
Question: Our surgeon performed a Swan-Ganz procedure, placed a central line through the s... Read more
Reader Questions:
Nasal Hemorrhage Leads to 00170
Question: Our physician noted "EUA [exam under anesthesia] control bleed" in the note... Read more
Reader Questions:
Start Fresh if ‘Unprocessable’ Claim Is Returned
Question: We received an “unprocessable” claim from our MAC. Can we appeal this? Ohio... Read more
Reader Questions:
Count Injections to Specific Nerves for 64415
Question: The CRNA administered a brachial plexus block. He wants to bill this with e... Read more
Reader Questions:
Complexity Drives Venipuncture Code Choice
Question: Aside from the age restrictions, what is the difference between venipuncture cod... Read more
Reader Questions:
Meet the Criteria for Critical Care Services
Question: The hospital requested that our anesthesiologist who will be administering anest... Read more
2021 Coding:
Prepare for These Drops to National and Anesthesia Conversion Factors
Final rule for 2021 hits providers across specialties. Get ready to see less on your bott... Read more
Procedure Focus:
Pinpoint This Condition before Filing for Acupuncture Pay
Here's how the 2020 payment policy has worked out. In 2020, Medicare made up its mind to ... Read more
Practice Management:
Stay Cognizant of Employees’ Privacy Rights When Testing for COVID-19
Guidelines keep changing, so keep up to date to stay compliant. If your practice has aske... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Submit This Code for Latissimus Dorsi Graft
Question: Which anesthesia code corresponds with the grafting procedure using a muscle fla... Read more
Reader Questions:
Ensure You’re Using the Correct ABN Form in 2021
Question: Our office has a few different versions of advance beneficiary notice (ABN) form... Read more
Reader Questions:
Always Code According to the Highest Base Procedure
Question: I know to bill code 00630 for a microdisectomy procedure. The patient is in pron... Read more
Reader Questions:
Code Transforaminal Epidural Based on Targeted Levels
Question: The physician documented TFESI at levels L4 and L5. Is this correct, or should h... Read more
Reader Questions:
Document Qualifying Circumstances Even Without Reimbursement
Question: I am new to anesthesia billing and have learned that Medicare and Medicaid do no... Read more
Available Years:  2021  2020  2019  2018  2017  2016  2015  2014  2013  2012  2011  2010  2009  2008  2007  2006  2005  2004  2003  2002  2001  2000  1999  

Which Codify by AAPC tool is right for you?

Call 844-334-2816 to speak with a Codify by AAPC specialist now.