Anesthesia Coding Alert
Procedure Focus:
Get the Answers to Your Frequently Asked Anesthesia for GI Endoscopy Questions
Remember: the dx you report may not be related to the GI condition. While some physicians... Read more
Get the Answers to Your Frequently Asked Anesthesia for GI Endoscopy Questions
Remember: the dx you report may not be related to the GI condition. While some physicians... Read more
Documentation:
Address These Key Fields, Complete ABNs With Ease
Don't forget that every ABN form must be one single page. As every anesthesiology practic... Read more
Address These Key Fields, Complete ABNs With Ease
Don't forget that every ABN form must be one single page. As every anesthesiology practic... Read more
Practice Management:
Try These Tips for Boosting Financial Literacy
Hint: Make sure you involve providers, so they understand the ripples of their work. Maki... Read more
Try These Tips for Boosting Financial Literacy
Hint: Make sure you involve providers, so they understand the ripples of their work. Maki... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Remember These Modifiers in Separate Operative Session Scenarios
Question: An anesthesia professional performs 01967 for a single anesthetic administr... Read more
Remember These Modifiers in Separate Operative Session Scenarios
Question: An anesthesia professional performs 01967 for a single anesthetic administr... Read more
Reader Questions:
Let This Advice Direct You to Accurate CRNA Billing
Question: Over the weekend, we had one anesthesiologist and two Certified Registered ... Read more
Let This Advice Direct You to Accurate CRNA Billing
Question: Over the weekend, we had one anesthesiologist and two Certified Registered ... Read more
Reader Questions:
List Appropriate Anesthesia Codes When Surgery Is Unlisted
Question: Are we required to report an unlisted anesthesia code if the surgeon report... Read more
List Appropriate Anesthesia Codes When Surgery Is Unlisted
Question: Are we required to report an unlisted anesthesia code if the surgeon report... Read more
Reader Questions:
Know Who Reports This Epidural Episode
Question: I have a question about ob/gyn billing. If both the Certified Registered Nu... Read more
Know Who Reports This Epidural Episode
Question: I have a question about ob/gyn billing. If both the Certified Registered Nu... Read more
Billing & Reimbursement:
Know These 5 Things, Create Correct, Clean CRNA Claims
Ask, “Is it supervision, medical direction, or non-medically directed?” A Certified ... Read more
Know These 5 Things, Create Correct, Clean CRNA Claims
Ask, “Is it supervision, medical direction, or non-medically directed?” A Certified ... Read more
Modifiers:
Know the ABCs of CRNA-Associated Modifiers
Can you tell your QXs from your QYs? While some private payers don't recognize HCPCS Le... Read more
Know the ABCs of CRNA-Associated Modifiers
Can you tell your QXs from your QYs? While some private payers don't recognize HCPCS Le... Read more
HIPAA:
Examine These 3 Cases, Stay Safe from HIPAA Violations
Avoid the fate of these healthcare entities with solid training and compliance strategies... Read more
Examine These 3 Cases, Stay Safe from HIPAA Violations
Avoid the fate of these healthcare entities with solid training and compliance strategies... Read more
Reader Questions:
Stay Away From This Conscious Sedation Scenario
Question: Our internal medicine doctors want the anesthesiologists to set up a system... Read more
Stay Away From This Conscious Sedation Scenario
Question: Our internal medicine doctors want the anesthesiologists to set up a system... Read more
Reader Questions:
Know State and National Policy for Immediate Availability
Question: I am hoping you can answer a question about billing anesthesia for ob-gyn. ... Read more
Know State and National Policy for Immediate Availability
Question: I am hoping you can answer a question about billing anesthesia for ob-gyn. ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use This Example to Bill Interrupted Time
Question: Can you point me to a resource to explain how to bill for interrupted time?... Read more
Use This Example to Bill Interrupted Time
Question: Can you point me to a resource to explain how to bill for interrupted time?... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Beware This Nerve Block Bundle
Question: According to a coding website that we use, 01992 is included in 62326, but ... Read more
Beware This Nerve Block Bundle
Question: According to a coding website that we use, 01992 is included in 62326, but ... Read more
Line Placement:
Don’t Get Stuck When Reporting CVC Insertion: Part 2
Drill down to the details for easy code selection. Coding for vascular access can be comp... Read more
Don’t Get Stuck When Reporting CVC Insertion: Part 2
Drill down to the details for easy code selection. Coding for vascular access can be comp... Read more
Diagnosis Deep Dive:
Get the Skinny on IBD
Learn the anatomy of the code sets for each condition. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) ... Read more
Get the Skinny on IBD
Learn the anatomy of the code sets for each condition. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) ... Read more
Reimbursement:
Avoid These 8 Common Medicare Billing Errors To Keep Pay Flowing
Watch those dates of service, MAC addresses, and more. Your provider documented a claim... Read more
Avoid These 8 Common Medicare Billing Errors To Keep Pay Flowing
Watch those dates of service, MAC addresses, and more. Your provider documented a claim... Read more
Reader Questions:
Remember Medicare Prefers Modifiers X{ESPU} Over -59
Question: Can you recommend a modifier to report to Florida Medicare for a case where... Read more
Remember Medicare Prefers Modifiers X{ESPU} Over -59
Question: Can you recommend a modifier to report to Florida Medicare for a case where... Read more
Reader Questions:
See Who Needs To Sign a Business Associate Agreement
Question: Does our anesthesia group need to sign a business associate agreement (BAA)... Read more
See Who Needs To Sign a Business Associate Agreement
Question: Does our anesthesia group need to sign a business associate agreement (BAA)... Read more
Reader Questions:
Brush Up on Anesthesia Time Calculation Key Concepts
Question: We need help understanding minutes to units conversion. If payers want tot... Read more
Brush Up on Anesthesia Time Calculation Key Concepts
Question: We need help understanding minutes to units conversion. If payers want tot... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Do This When Doctors Share Sx Documentation Duties
Question: What are the correct diagnosis and anesthesia codes and modifiers for the a... Read more
Do This When Doctors Share Sx Documentation Duties
Question: What are the correct diagnosis and anesthesia codes and modifiers for the a... Read more
Line Placement:
Don’t Get Stuck When Reporting CVC Insertion: Part 1
Remember these tips to find central line coding success. Line placement is one of the ser... Read more
Don’t Get Stuck When Reporting CVC Insertion: Part 1
Remember these tips to find central line coding success. Line placement is one of the ser... Read more
Pain Management:
Remember Policy on Dry Needling, Size on Joint Shots
Do you know the difference between intermediate and major joints? Patients reporting to t... Read more
Remember Policy on Dry Needling, Size on Joint Shots
Do you know the difference between intermediate and major joints? Patients reporting to t... Read more
Practice Management:
Use These 4 Strategies When Adding Valuable Staff to Your Practice
Implementing these techniques during interviews can lead to financial savings. Are you ex... Read more
Use These 4 Strategies When Adding Valuable Staff to Your Practice
Implementing these techniques during interviews can lead to financial savings. Are you ex... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don’t Bypass These Pump Oxygenator Codes
Question: When our anesthesiologists begin a bypass case without the pump oxygenator... Read more
Don’t Bypass These Pump Oxygenator Codes
Question: When our anesthesiologists begin a bypass case without the pump oxygenator... Read more
Reader Questions:
Ask These Questions Before Bringing on a Billing Company
Question: Can you recommend a billing company or recommend what questions we should b... Read more
Ask These Questions Before Bringing on a Billing Company
Question: Can you recommend a billing company or recommend what questions we should b... Read more
Reader Questions:
Avoid This Add-On for Post-Delivery Emergency Hysterectomy
Question: Can you help us understand when to add the hysterectomy code +01969? We had... Read more
Avoid This Add-On for Post-Delivery Emergency Hysterectomy
Question: Can you help us understand when to add the hysterectomy code +01969? We had... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Take Care to Choose the Correct MAC Code and Modifiers
Question: What are the correct surgical and anesthesia codes, modifiers, and diagnosi... Read more
Take Care to Choose the Correct MAC Code and Modifiers
Question: What are the correct surgical and anesthesia codes, modifiers, and diagnosi... Read more
L&D Anesthesia:
Be Wise in the Ways of Labor Epidural Billing
Remember: Documentation and payer guidelines dictate coding. Sometimes, it may seem as if... Read more
Be Wise in the Ways of Labor Epidural Billing
Remember: Documentation and payer guidelines dictate coding. Sometimes, it may seem as if... Read more
Diagnosis Focus:
Rely on These Tips When Using the Neoplasm Table
Check out these best practices to help you locate the right code every time. Due to its c... Read more
Rely on These Tips When Using the Neoplasm Table
Check out these best practices to help you locate the right code every time. Due to its c... Read more
Compliance:
Don’t Skimp on Sanction Policymaking, Feds Warn
Tip: Ensure employees receive training equivalent to their duties. Stopping a data brea... Read more
Don’t Skimp on Sanction Policymaking, Feds Warn
Tip: Ensure employees receive training equivalent to their duties. Stopping a data brea... Read more
Reader Questions:
Puzzle Out Proper Reporting for Partially Covered Cases
Question: We have a patient who underwent a procedure — part of the service is cov... Read more
Puzzle Out Proper Reporting for Partially Covered Cases
Question: We have a patient who underwent a procedure — part of the service is cov... Read more
Reader Questions:
Overcome Medicaid Billing Complexities With These Resources
Question: We had a Florida Medicaid patient deliver their baby while they were visiti... Read more
Overcome Medicaid Billing Complexities With These Resources
Question: We had a Florida Medicaid patient deliver their baby while they were visiti... Read more
Reader Questions:
Know What Traditional Medicare Won’t Pay Extra For
Question: I thought Medicare does not pay extra for physical status modifiers or qua... Read more
Know What Traditional Medicare Won’t Pay Extra For
Question: I thought Medicare does not pay extra for physical status modifiers or qua... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Try Your Hand at Coding This Hernia Repair Case
Question: What are the correct surgical and anesthesia codes, modifiers, and diagnosi... Read more
Try Your Hand at Coding This Hernia Repair Case
Question: What are the correct surgical and anesthesia codes, modifiers, and diagnosi... Read more
Anesthesia Basics:
Mind P Modifiers or Leave Money on the Table
Tip: Document the one that applies, even if you won't be reimbursed. One aspect of anesth... Read more
Mind P Modifiers or Leave Money on the Table
Tip: Document the one that applies, even if you won't be reimbursed. One aspect of anesth... Read more
News You Can Use:
Review New Rules for Reporting Multiple Unlisted Procedures
Also, make note of the modifiers you can now use with unlisted codes. If your provider h... Read more
Review New Rules for Reporting Multiple Unlisted Procedures
Also, make note of the modifiers you can now use with unlisted codes. If your provider h... Read more
HIPAA Help Desk:
Learn These 3 Truths and 3 Myths About PHI
Hint: Proper PHI scrubbing enables elimination of a record's protected status. From patie... Read more
Learn These 3 Truths and 3 Myths About PHI
Hint: Proper PHI scrubbing enables elimination of a record's protected status. From patie... Read more
Reader Questions:
See How To Code SRNA Teaching Cases
Question: How are student registered nurse anesthetist (SRNA) teaching cases reported... Read more
See How To Code SRNA Teaching Cases
Question: How are student registered nurse anesthetist (SRNA) teaching cases reported... Read more
Reader Questions:
Base Anesthesia Billing on Times Recorded in the Record
Question: I'm an anesthesia coder and ran across a situation that no one at my practi... Read more
Base Anesthesia Billing on Times Recorded in the Record
Question: I'm an anesthesia coder and ran across a situation that no one at my practi... Read more
Reader Questions:
Glance at ASA Guidance on Anesthesia Care Documentation
Question: We are transitioning to an electronic medical record (EMR), and I'm wonderi... Read more
Glance at ASA Guidance on Anesthesia Care Documentation
Question: We are transitioning to an electronic medical record (EMR), and I'm wonderi... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Resolve the Right Way To Report This Tumor Resection
Question: What are the correct surgical and anesthesia codes, modifiers, and diagnosi... Read more
Resolve the Right Way To Report This Tumor Resection
Question: What are the correct surgical and anesthesia codes, modifiers, and diagnosi... Read more
Postoperative Care:
Procure Proper Payment for POPM With These Pointers
A surgeon's note requesting POPM could mean the difference between getting paid and not ge... Read more
Procure Proper Payment for POPM With These Pointers
A surgeon's note requesting POPM could mean the difference between getting paid and not ge... Read more
Diagnosis Focus:
Get Your Hypertension Coding Under Control: Part 2
Comprehend which HTN cases call for the use of a combination code. As an anesthesia cod... Read more
Get Your Hypertension Coding Under Control: Part 2
Comprehend which HTN cases call for the use of a combination code. As an anesthesia cod... Read more
Practice Management:
Study These Strategies for Setting Up a Solid CDI Process
Realize the benefits of regular self-audits. Comprehensive clinical documentation is the ... Read more
Study These Strategies for Setting Up a Solid CDI Process
Realize the benefits of regular self-audits. Comprehensive clinical documentation is the ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Support Your Need for Detailed Notes With These Sources
Question: One of our anesthesiologists is questioning the need to document the surgeon's r... Read more
Support Your Need for Detailed Notes With These Sources
Question: One of our anesthesiologists is questioning the need to document the surgeon's r... Read more
Reader Questions:
Preview Pulmonary Hypertension Particulars
Question: What is the difference between hypertension and pulmonary hypertension? What is ... Read more
Preview Pulmonary Hypertension Particulars
Question: What is the difference between hypertension and pulmonary hypertension? What is ... Read more
Reader Questions:
See Which Signatures Are Must-Haves for Supervised Cases
Question: Thanks for your article on billing anesthesia services last month. Regarding med... Read more
See Which Signatures Are Must-Haves for Supervised Cases
Question: Thanks for your article on billing anesthesia services last month. Regarding med... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Recognize Which Details Impact Tubal Ligation Reporting
Question: What are the correct surgical and anesthesia codes, modifiers, and diagnosis cod... Read more
Recognize Which Details Impact Tubal Ligation Reporting
Question: What are the correct surgical and anesthesia codes, modifiers, and diagnosis cod... Read more
Back to Basics:
Learn How Anesthesia Service Categories Impact Billing
Look for documentation of the seven steps before reporting medical direction. When repor... Read more
Learn How Anesthesia Service Categories Impact Billing
Look for documentation of the seven steps before reporting medical direction. When repor... Read more
Diagnosis Focus:
Get Your Hypertension Coding Under Control: Part 1
Remember: A high blood pressure reading doesn't always mean hypertension. With 12 differ... Read more
Get Your Hypertension Coding Under Control: Part 1
Remember: A high blood pressure reading doesn't always mean hypertension. With 12 differ... Read more
Compliance:
Sidestep Snags With These Medicare Signature Tips
Questionable signatures need resolution before claim submission. Your anesthesia provid... Read more
Sidestep Snags With These Medicare Signature Tips
Questionable signatures need resolution before claim submission. Your anesthesia provid... Read more
Reader Questions:
Review the Rules for Reporting Medical Direction
Question: We are starting to report medical direction cases. Will we report our total... Read more
Review the Rules for Reporting Medical Direction
Question: We are starting to report medical direction cases. Will we report our total... Read more
Reader Questions:
Providers Can Perform These Services While Medically Directing
Question: Can an anesthesiologist perform other services while medically directing c... Read more
Providers Can Perform These Services While Medically Directing
Question: Can an anesthesiologist perform other services while medically directing c... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look to Local MAC Guidance When Billing Teaching Cases
Question: We are a teaching institution. Where can I find good definitions of anesth... Read more
Look to Local MAC Guidance When Billing Teaching Cases
Question: We are a teaching institution. Where can I find good definitions of anesth... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Choose the Correct Codes for This Central Line Placement
Question: The provider's documentation included the following procedure note for an i... Read more
Choose the Correct Codes for This Central Line Placement
Question: The provider's documentation included the following procedure note for an i... Read more
Cardiac Anesthesia:
Sharpen Your CABG Coding Skills in 4 Simple Steps
Don't be afraid to dig through the surgeon's documentation for key details. When coding ... Read more
Sharpen Your CABG Coding Skills in 4 Simple Steps
Don't be afraid to dig through the surgeon's documentation for key details. When coding ... Read more
Condition Spotlight:
Get Answers to Your Frequently Asked CRPS Questions
Learn the other terms used to denote CRPS I, II in the documentation. Proper reporting of... Read more
Get Answers to Your Frequently Asked CRPS Questions
Learn the other terms used to denote CRPS I, II in the documentation. Proper reporting of... Read more
Reimbursement:
Use These 5 Tactics To Fine-Tune Your Appeals Process
Prevent future errors by noticing current patterns. Appealing denials isn't convenient bu... Read more
Use These 5 Tactics To Fine-Tune Your Appeals Process
Prevent future errors by noticing current patterns. Appealing denials isn't convenient bu... Read more
Reader Questions:
Check These Details Before Billing Line Placement for CABG
Question: Can you explain how to determine whether lines placed for CABG procedures a... Read more
Check These Details Before Billing Line Placement for CABG
Question: Can you explain how to determine whether lines placed for CABG procedures a... Read more
Reader Questions:
Determine Correct Coding for This Emergent GA Case
Question: One of our anesthesiologists was working trauma, and a patient came in with... Read more
Determine Correct Coding for This Emergent GA Case
Question: One of our anesthesiologists was working trauma, and a patient came in with... Read more
Reader Questions:
Can Coders Override ASA CROSSWALK® Options?
Question: Can you explain why for AV fistula repair code 35190 the ASA CROSSWALK® d... Read more
Can Coders Override ASA CROSSWALK® Options?
Question: Can you explain why for AV fistula repair code 35190 the ASA CROSSWALK® d... Read more
You Be the Coder:
How Should This GA and Block Scenario Be Handled?
Question: A 62-year-old female is diagnosed with primary osteoarthritis of the right shoul... Read more
How Should This GA and Block Scenario Be Handled?
Question: A 62-year-old female is diagnosed with primary osteoarthritis of the right shoul... Read more
Medicare Physician Fee Schedule:
Focus on These 4 MPFS Final Rule Takeaways
Significant payment cuts will harm seniors' access to surgical care, warns ASA. Medicare ... Read more
Focus on These 4 MPFS Final Rule Takeaways
Significant payment cuts will harm seniors' access to surgical care, warns ASA. Medicare ... Read more
Diagnosis Focus:
Let These Pointers Lead You To Pleural Effusion Reporting Perfection
Hint: The Code first notes are crucial reading. Thin membranes, known as pleura, cover th... Read more
Let These Pointers Lead You To Pleural Effusion Reporting Perfection
Hint: The Code first notes are crucial reading. Thin membranes, known as pleura, cover th... Read more
Documentation:
Sharpen Your Provider Query Skills With This Sage Advice
Ensure documentation integrity and correct coding via clear, concise exchanges. Being a... Read more
Sharpen Your Provider Query Skills With This Sage Advice
Ensure documentation integrity and correct coding via clear, concise exchanges. Being a... Read more
Reader Question:
Review How To Calculate, Report ASA Charges Correctly
Question: Can you explain how to calculate and report anesthesia charges? When you ke... Read more
Review How To Calculate, Report ASA Charges Correctly
Question: Can you explain how to calculate and report anesthesia charges? When you ke... Read more
Reader Question:
Choose the Correct Code by Identifying the Exact Nerve Blocked
Question: Some of our physicians are telling us that popliteal blocks are technically... Read more
Choose the Correct Code by Identifying the Exact Nerve Blocked
Question: Some of our physicians are telling us that popliteal blocks are technically... Read more
Reader Question:
Study the Specifics Surrounding Billing US Guidance Separately
Question: One of our new physicians said we are allowed to charge for both the placem... Read more
Study the Specifics Surrounding Billing US Guidance Separately
Question: One of our new physicians said we are allowed to charge for both the placem... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Be Sure To Submit the Highest-Based ASA Code
Question: A 29-year-old female patient presented with a nonunion closed fracture of t... Read more
Be Sure To Submit the Highest-Based ASA Code
Question: A 29-year-old female patient presented with a nonunion closed fracture of t... Read more
Anesthesia:
Crosswalk This Spinal Code for C-section Scenarios
Question: A patient came in for a scheduled cesarean section and was given a spinal. ... Read more
Crosswalk This Spinal Code for C-section Scenarios
Question: A patient came in for a scheduled cesarean section and was given a spinal. ... Read more
Anesthesia:
Code Minus Modifier in this Discontinued Surgery Scenario
Question: We are billing for a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) provider... Read more
Code Minus Modifier in this Discontinued Surgery Scenario
Question: We are billing for a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) provider... Read more
Anesthesia Coding:
Take These Steps for Accurate Anesthesia Service Formulation (Part 1)
Billing for base units is just the beginning. Are you new to anesthesia coding? Or are yo... Read more
Take These Steps for Accurate Anesthesia Service Formulation (Part 1)
Billing for base units is just the beginning. Are you new to anesthesia coding? Or are yo... Read more
Anesthesia Coding:
Take These Steps for Accurate Anesthesia Service Formulation (Part 2)
Use this handy checklist to get your documentation ducks in a row. Last month, we outline... Read more
Take These Steps for Accurate Anesthesia Service Formulation (Part 2)
Use this handy checklist to get your documentation ducks in a row. Last month, we outline... Read more
Anesthesia Coding:
Look to 00790 for This Umbilical Hernia Surgery
Question: Can you give me some assistance with the following procedure? The patient had an... Read more
Look to 00790 for This Umbilical Hernia Surgery
Question: Can you give me some assistance with the following procedure? The patient had an... Read more
Anesthesia Coding:
Rely on Highest Level for Labor Services
Question: My doctor inserted a labor epidural (01967) at 8 in the morning and then in the ... Read more
Rely on Highest Level for Labor Services
Question: My doctor inserted a labor epidural (01967) at 8 in the morning and then in the ... Read more
Anesthesia Coding:
Understand Context for Using GC Modifier
Question: Can you tell me if a GC modifier for residents is only required by Medicare, or ... Read more
Understand Context for Using GC Modifier
Question: Can you tell me if a GC modifier for residents is only required by Medicare, or ... Read more
Anesthesia Coding:
Use Correct Modifier to Specify Medical Supervision
Question: I'm hoping you can help me with understanding medical direction versus medical s... Read more
Use Correct Modifier to Specify Medical Supervision
Question: I'm hoping you can help me with understanding medical direction versus medical s... Read more