Anesthesia Coding Alert
Base Fee Includes Pre-Op Assessment
New Mexico Subscriber
Answer: If the CRNA is non-medically directed (meaning you report her service with modifier QZ, CRNA service: without medical direction by a physician), you cannot bill separately for her time because these questions are part of the preoperative visit included in the procedure's base fee.
If the CRNA is medically directed (which you report with modifier QX, CRNA service: with medical direction by a physician), she can collect data and co-sign the pre-op assessment. One of your group's physicians, however, must document that he performed the examination and evaluation as the first step of medical direction.
Anesthesia Coding Alert
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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 [...]
