Anesthesia Coding Alert
Check Your Claims for New Injection Edits
Only a few changes in the latest National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits affect anesthesia or pain management practices, but don't let them slip past you.
The non-mutually exclusive edits list 01996 (Daily hospital management of epidural or subarachnoid continuous drug administration) as a component of epidural codes 62318 (Injection, including catheter placement, continuous infusion or intermittent bolus, not including neurolytic substances, with or without contrast [for either localization or epidurography], of diagnostic or therapeutic substance[s] [including anesthetic, antispasmodic, opioid, steroid, other solution], epidural or subarachnoid; cervical or thoracic) and 62319 (... lumbar, sacral [caudal]).
Non-mutually exclusive edits also list injection code 64450 (Injection, anesthetic agent; other peripheral nerve or branch) as the comprehensive code in edits with four orthopedic procedures: 29515 (Application of short leg splint [calf to foot]), 29540 (Strapping; ankle and/or foot), 29580 (...Unna boot) and 29590 (Denis-Browne splint strapping).
NCCI version 12.3 is effective Oct. 1, 2006.
Anesthesia Coding Alert
- Multiple Procedure Know-How Examine Anesthesia Choices for Mastectomy With Node Biopsy
Asking 2 big questions helps pinpoint the best code Your physician provides anesthesia for a [...] - Pain Management Corner:
Don't Get Caught Groaning About Whiplash Treatment
Knowing how to submit claims correctly can ease your pain Coding for the diagnosis and [...] - Diagnosis Checkpoint:
Steer Clear of Whiplash Stereotypes
Injuries can be serious, not just an insurance ploy For many people, the term "whiplash" [...] - You Be the Coder:
Ruptured Biceps Tendon and Forearm
Question: What procedure and diagnosis codes should I submit for the repair of a patient's [...] - NCCI Update:
Check Your Claims for New Injection Edits
Only a few changes in the latest National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits affect anesthesia [...] - Reader Questions:
Divide Units for Some Botulinum Injections
Question: How do I determine the correct units for Botulinum codes J0585 and J0587? The [...] - Reader Question:
X-Ray Gives Clues, but Talk to Physician
Question: We have a patient chart from an office visit that includes an x-ray of [...] - Reader Question:
Base Fee Includes Pre-Op Assessment
Question: Our CRNA meets with patients prior to surgery to ask about allergies or other [...] - Reader Question:
Identify Administration Type for Nerve Block
Question: What is the correct code for a diagnostic nerve block of the brachial plexus [...] - Reader Question:
Discuss Auditory Test Codes With Carrier
Question: What CPT and ASA code should I use for a pediatric patient who is [...] - Reader Question:
Check Timing for Post-Op Astramorph
Question: The anesthesiologist wrote "spinal astramorph" on the charge sheet. How should I code this? [...] - Reader Question:
Post Hours to Justify 99050-99051 Claims
Question: What documentation do the special services after-hour codes require?
South Carolina Subscriber
Answer: Signage helps [...]
