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Anesthesia Coding Alert

Smart Strategies:
Know Where to Go to Prove MAC Medical Necessity
Simplify working with the surgical team to get the answers you need. What do you do when ... Read more
Skill Sharpener:
Step Up Your ICD-10-CM Sequencing Game With These Trusted Tips
Skipping the Tabular List can cause trouble for you and your patients. Finding the correc... Read more
Compliance:
How Flexible Is HIPAA When Disaster Strikes? Quiz Yourself
Remember the answers to these nine questions to protect your practice and patients. Fol... Read more
Reader Questions:
Grasp Payer Variations for Labor Anesthesia
Question: I have a patient who had a labor epidural and ended up going to C-section. ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look Beyond Modifier 78 for Anesthesiologist
Question: On a take-back surgery for postoperative bleeding on the same day as the fi... Read more
Reader Questions:
Improve Your Understanding of Physical Status
Question: Do you know if there is somewhere that gives a good description of what the... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Code Correctly for Surgery With Post-Op Block
Question: A 67-year-old Medicare patient is having total knee arthroplasty at our hos... Read more
Category III Codes:
Stay on the Cutting Edge With These VR Procedural Dissociation Coding Tips
Know how to count time for these high-tech CPT® 2023 codes. If your anesthesia practice ... Read more
News You Can Use:
Did You Catch This Colonoscopy Change in the MPFS 2023 Proposed Rule?
Brush up on your 00812 reporting skills to be ready for expanded screening coverage. The... Read more
E/M 2023:
Be Ready to Report Updated Hospital Inpatient E/M Codes
Jumpstart preparations with an overview of changes to 99221-99223 and 99231-99233. Major ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look to Medicare Manual for 2-Provider Rule
Question: I have exhausted all my resources and wondered if you know whether the Medicare ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Query Insurer About Qualifying Circumstances Code
Question: When using 00563 (which includes hypothermic circulatory arrest in the descripto... Read more
Reader Questions:
Choose a Single Code for Colonoscopy With EGD
Question: I'm coding anesthesia for a screening colonoscopy and EGD with biopsy at a singl... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Decide Spine Codes for Anesthesiologist and CRNA
Question: Could you assist with this anesthesia question? A 56-year-old patient had an ope... Read more
CPT® News:
Change Your Post-Op Pain Management Reporting in 2023
Imaging guidance update may bring lower pay for 64415-64417 and 64445-64448. If you repor... Read more
Category III Codes:
Know When, How to Apply This New Epidural Guidance System Code
Have trouble picturing the epidural space? Don't miss this helpful explanation. Anesthes... Read more
Clip and Save:
Distinguish Between 100+ New Endometriosis Codes At-a-Glance
Is your provider's documentation up to the challenge of these anatomy-based codes? Specif... Read more
Reader Questions:
Report Anesthesia and Post-Op Block Separately
Question: If the anesthesiologist uses general anesthesia for a total shoulder replac... Read more
Reader Questions:
Master Medical Direction and Modifiers
Question: I would like to confirm how many residents an anesthesiologist can medicall... Read more
Reader Questions:
Report Anesthesia, Distinct Procedure in This Pediatric Case
Question: At our children's hospital, the anesthesiologists have been asked to provid... Read more
Reader Questions:
Catch This Synonym When Coding Migraine
Question: The provider diagnosed the patient with “migraine w/ prodrome, w/ status ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Capture the Correct Code for Heart Case
Question: The anesthesiologist provided anesthesia services for creation of a pericar... Read more
Skill Sharpener:
Master Spine Regions and Procedure Types for Cleaner 01937-01942 Claims
Did you catch the difference in base units for these anesthesia codes? Knowing whether a ... Read more
ICD-10-CM 2023:
Prepare Now for More Detailed Dementia Diagnosis Codes
Severity and type of disturbance will guide you to the correct code. A dementia diagnosis... Read more
News You Can Use:
Keep an Eye on This Potential 3.91% Anesthesia CF Cut for 2023
Proposed rule threatens big cut for MPFS conversion factor. The Centers for Medicare &a... Read more
Reader Questions:
Know When to Start the Anesthesia Clock
Question: Is the pre-op exam by the anesthesiologist counted in the time? If not, how... Read more
Reader Questions:
See How to Code CRPS
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the provider performed a service for a patien... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look to U09.9 for Long COVID
Question: Is there any official guidance on how to report long COVID? Oklahoma Subsc... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Select CPT® and ICD-10-CM Codes for This Labor Case
Question: The anesthesiologist placed a neuraxial epidural for a patient in labor (37... Read more
Updates:
Prepare Now for ICD-10-CM Changes Effective Oct. 1
Pay attention to new options for annulus fibrosus defect, endometriosis. Updates to ICD-1... Read more
Procedure Focus:
Don’t Be Nervous About Filing Nerve Injection Claims
Follow these 4 tips for trigeminal and GON success. If you code for pain management servi... Read more
Technology:
Here’s How to Keep Staff Connected and Up to Date From Multiple Locations
Use a shared drive to your advantage. Remote and hybrid work environments have become mor... Read more
Reader Questions:
Turn to 00790 for Partial Cholecystectomy
Question: A patient scheduled for an open cholecystectomy was found to have severe ga... Read more
Reader Questions:
Support Pediatric Nasogastric Tube by Showing Medical Necessity
Question: I bill for anesthesiologists in a children's hospital. A small child was ta... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don’t Slack Off on Medical Records Reviews During the Pandemic
Question: Since the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) is still ongoing, does our... Read more
Reader Questions:
Document Every Service, Even if it’s Bundled
Question: Does Medicare require us to include post-op notes for care following a labo... Read more
Reader Questions:
Incorporate These Codes to Track COVID-19 Vaccine Status
Question: Some of our patients are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, some are unvacc... Read more
Reader Questions:
Know How to Handle VA Insurance With Medicare
Question: One of our patients was originally covered by Medicare, but his main healt... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Look at These Codes for Abdominal Field Block
Question: My physician would like to administer an abdominal field block just below t... Read more
Physician Service:
Make Every Minute Count When Determining Medical Direction vs. Supervision
Hint: Keep all your clocks in sync to ensure your times match. When providing anesthesia ... Read more
Diagnosis Coding:
Strengthen Osteoarthritis Coding by Getting Back to Basics
Best starting point: Pinpoint the type. Osteoarthritis, diagnosis coding, pain managemen... Read more
Reimbursement:
Want to Make More Money? Negotiate Your Payer Contracts
Commercial insurance has changed – which means your rates should, too. Reimbursement, ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Hit the 10-Minute Mark Before Submitting 99152
Question: How long does our physician's intraservice time need to be before we can bi... Read more
Reader Questions:
Narrow Your SPANK Block Choices to 64450
Question: I'm having trouble deciding the best code for a SPANK (sensory posterior ar... Read more
Reader Questions:
Include Modifier GC on Teaching Physician Claims
Question: When a resident assists a physician in a teaching hospital, do we need to a... Read more
Reader Questions:
Subsequent Care Codes Cover Pre-Anesthesia Exam
Question: An anesthesiologist at our facility spent about 20 minutes on the pre-anest... Read more
Reader Questions:
See Why Ongoing Lumbar Drain Check Could Lead to E/M Codes
Question: The physician inserted a lumbar drain and wants to leave it in place for se... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Pay Attention to Descriptors for Quantity Clues
Question: Our physician uses anywhere from 2-4 mg of midazolam during cases. He recen... Read more
Qualifying Circumstances:
Keep 3 Tips in Mind Before Adding +99135 to Your Claim
Low blood pressure doesn't automatically mean you report this code. Because no two anest... Read more
Documentation:
Remember All Your QC Code Options
These add-on codes help better explain the circumstances. Anesthesia codes +99100-+99140 ... Read more
Billing:
Get Back to Basics for a Better Understanding of the No Surprises Act
Keep key terms in mind to move in the right direction. Billing for medical procedures can... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look to 00811, 00812 When Screening Colonoscopy Turns Diagnostic
Question: What is the correct way to bill screening colonoscopies that become diagnos... Read more
Reader Questions:
Septoplasty Code 30520 Crosses to 00160
Question: The CRNA provided anesthesia for surgery noted as “Septoplasty, ASA 2.”... Read more
Reader Questions:
Choose Codes Based on Accuracy, not Value
Question: The surgeon performed a closed reduction and placement of a spanning extern... Read more
Reader Questions:
Submit 3 Codes for Pump Aspiration and Refill
Question: The pain management specialist completed a patent test and aspirated all th... Read more
Reader Questions:
Verify Spinal Injections before Choosing Puncture Code
Question: Our pain management physician performed a cisternal C1-C2 puncture. How sh... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don’t Miss Modifier 51 Opportunities for Fluoroscopic Injections
Question: Our physician recently performed multiple arthroscopic injections, and the ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Self-Pay Status Doesn’t Change Cancellation Rules
Question: I have a cosmetic case that cancelled after the pre-op exam but before indu... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Consider This Before Reporting Anesthesia for Intubation
Question: What procedure code should I report for intubation EUA (examination under a... Read more
Reimbursement:
Do You Know When an Emergency Leads to +99140?
Let these tips help guide your usage. Appending qualifying circumstances (QC) codes to a... Read more
Modifier Update:
Stay Atop These Medicare Changes to Locum Tenens Guidelines
Modifier QC is still valid — but under a new name. If your anesthesia practice is lik... Read more
Practice Management:
Don’t Let Your Practice Size Justify Slack Security
Even smaller groups can use these tools from the feds. Data security is important no mat... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don’t Try to Calculate Anesthesia RVUs for ESP Blocks
Question: What are the anesthesia values for 64461 and +64462 when our provider admi... Read more
Reader Questions:
Code 62273 Does Not Apply to Dural Tear Repair
Question: Our anesthesiologist blocked a lumbar dural tear with a single piece of gel... Read more
Reader Questions:
Ask These Questions to Help Pinpoint Headache Diagnoses
Question: Some of our less experienced coders need help pinpointing the correct diagn... Read more
Reader Questions:
Watch Anatomic Location for Difference Between +77002 and +77003
Question: I have multiple questions about fluoroscopy codes +77002 and +77003. What i... Read more
Reader Questions:
Be Conscious of Technology “Dead Zones” and Potential Effects
Question: The Wi-Fi network at our hospital has the bandwidth to meet clinical, admin... Read more
Reader Questions:
Verify Whether Anesthesia Codes Include Hypothermia
Question: I know we can't always add +99116 to a claim when the anesthesiologist note... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Here’s How to Translate Kenalog Quantities to Units
Question: How many units of J3301 are included in 4 mL of Kenalog? I'm stumped becaus... Read more
Procedure Focus:
Follow 4 Steps to Gastro Claims Success
Hint: Solid documentation of medical necessity will play in your favor. Reporting anesth... Read more
Compliance:
Use This Right of Access Case as a Guide for What Not to Do
Let one practice's mistake play in your favor. How quickly — and completely — does y... Read more
Reader Questions:
Spinal Area Pinpoints Myelogram Code
Question: Our provider administered anesthesia for a patient having a myelogram. What... Read more
Reader Questions:
Codes 64420 and +64421 Apply to Intercostal Brachial Nerve Block
Question: I'm finding contradictory information on whether to code an intercostal bra... Read more
Reader Questions:
C-section + Tubal Ligation = Single Anesthesia Code
Question: I am new to anesthesia coding and need to know how to code when a patient h... Read more
Reader Questions:
Depend on +76937 for Line Placement Ultrasound Guidance
Question: Is there a code that can go with 36620 for ultrasound guidance? Some doctor... Read more
Reader Questions:
Know the Threshold for Billing Anesthesia Time
Question: What are the minimum documentation requirements to be compliant with report... Read more
Reader Questions:
Urologist’s Code Helps You Choose Between 00910 and 00912
Question: I'm trying to code anesthesia for a urethrocystoscopy for fulguration of a ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Know When State Mandates Might Overrule Fed Guidelines
Question: Sometimes our state's disclosure law requirements are different from provis... Read more
Reader Questions:
Let the Payer Deal With Splitting MD/CRNA Fees
Question: Can you help me understand how insurance companies process a 50/50 split wh... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Know When to Report a Wet Tap
Question: A wet tap occurred during an epidural injection for back pain and was liste... Read more
Modifiers:
Looking for Extra Reimbursement? P Modifier Might Help Boost Your Bottom Line
Caveat: Only report these mods for payers who'll reimburse. Physical status modifiers —... Read more
Reimbursement:
Stop Leaving Money on the Table by Mapping Out a Realistic AR Plan
Tip: Don't forget to keep a check on patient balances. Making time to deal with unpaid c... Read more
Documentation:
Don’t Fall Victim to These 5 Documentation Errors
Insufficient information still tops the list for watch points. No matter how experience... Read more
Reader questions:
Understand Differences Between New and Established Patients
Question: If a patient sees one physician in our practice, then one year later sees a... Read more
Reader Questions:
Remember to Include Modifier QS for MAC During Excision
Question: One of our providers excised a malignant lesion from a patient's forearm un... Read more
Reader Questions:
Pinpoint Stone Location to Narrow Anesthesia Code Choices
Question: How should I code for anesthesia during a cystourethroscopy with lithotripsy for... Read more
Reader Questions:
Choose 00400 for Anesthesia During Pediatric Blood Draw
Question: Our provider spent 20 minutes administering general anesthesia during a blo... Read more
Reader Questions:
Here’s Where to Draw the Line Between ‘Upper’ and ‘Lower’ Abdomen
Question: I know that some anesthesia codes are applied based on whether the area treated ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Know the Rules on Sharing Restricted PHI
Question: Does our practice have to honor a patient's request to limit or restrict di... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Consider These Options in Place of 01936
Question: Now that anesthesia code 01936 is deleted from CPT®, what should we report... Read more
Modifier Usage:
Follow This Guidance When Reporting CRNA or AA Services
Keep all your ‘Q' possibilities straight. Anytime you code for anesthesia care, docume... Read more
Practice Management:
Consider This Advice When Credentialing New Providers
Ask yourself whether keeping the work in-house is worth it. One important aspect of addi... Read more
Compliance:
If You Think the Pandemic Made Privacy Issues Disappear, Think Again
One expert's perspective pulls the pieces together. Much of the world's focus — healthc... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look at Reason for Post-op Visit Before Coding
Question: We have begun handling our anesthesia billing internally. The company that ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Urology TUNA Procedure Crosses to 00914
Question: Our anesthesiologist provided services while the urologist performed a TUNA... Read more
Reader Questions:
Begin With 01941 or 01942 for Most Kyphoplasty Anesthesia in 2022
Question: One of our physicians is questioning whether 01936 accurately reflects the ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Choose 64450 or ‘Unlisted’ for SPANK Block
Question: The anesthesiologist administered a SPANK (sensory posterior articular nerv... Read more
Reader Questions:
Get the Lowdown on Coding Lower Back Pain
Question: How do I code acute or chronic lower back pain? Even with the new ICD-10 c... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use E/M Code for Cases That Stop Before Induction
Question: I have a cosmetic case that cancelled after the pre-op exam but before ind... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Remember the Difference Between 00566 and 00567
Question: Would you please help me clarify what anesthesia code should be used for a CABG ... Read more
Obstetrics Coding:
Cull Through the Choices to Clarify 01967 Usage
Plus: Confirm when – and if – you need +01968. With so many scenarios possible durin... Read more
Diagnosis Selection:
Examine Each Character Option to Lessen Migraine Coding Pain
Expect to extend to the 5th — or often 6th — character. Migraine diagnosis assignme... Read more
Terminology Checkpoint:
Do You Know What “Aura” Means for Migraines?
A solid understanding helps clarify the choices. The terms “with aura” and “without... Read more
Reader Questions:
Report C9250 for Fibrin Glue Patch
Question: I know that the correct code for placing a blood patch is 62273. Does this ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Verify Scenario Before Coding PENG Block
Question: Do you know which CPT® code we should use for a PENG block? Nevada Subscriber ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Ultrasound Guidance Code +76937 Can Pair with 36620
Question: Is there a code we can file for ultrasound guidance with 36620? Some of our... Read more
Reader Questions:
Keep Teaching Claims to One-on-One Situations
Question: What tips should I keep in mind when coding for a teaching physician who is... Read more
Reader Questions:
Remember That Procedure Code Includes Cardiopulmonary Monitoring
Question: Our anesthesiologist used blood pressure monitoring, pulse oximetry, and ra... Read more
Reader Questions:
Accessing Patient Records Unnecessarily Is a Reportable Breach
Question: One of our employees accessed records without a legitimate reason. Is this ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Follow These Guidelines When Giving Gifts to Beneficiaries
Question: In the past, our practice has given a small token of appreciation to our m... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Including Modifiers on Personally Performed Locums
Question: I know we need to include modifier Q6 for a locum tenens claim. If the physician... Read more
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