Anesthesia Coding Alert

New code choices could support higher coding, but don't assume you need -22.This year's new fifth-digit diagnosis codes for body mass index (BMI) help you better document a patient's condition, especially when the patient's BMI might contribute to more complex risk factors for the anesthesiologist to handle. Having documentation of a highBMI doesn't automatically lead to more pay, however. Watch two areas before assuming you can automatically append modifier 22 (Increased procedural services) because of BMI and potentially score a 20-30 percent higher pay for the procedure.Not All Morbid Obesity Means Modifier 22A patient is considered to be morbidly obese when his or her BMI is 40 or more. New BMI codes for 2011 include:V85.41 -- Body Mass Index 40.0-44.9, adultV85.42 -- Body Mass Index 45.0-49.9, adultV85.43 -- Body Mass Index 50.0-59.9, adultV85.44 -- Body Mass Index 60.0-69.9, adultV85.45 -- Body Mass Index 70 and over, adult.While morbid obesity can be an appropriate reason to [...]