Reader Question:
Don't Charge for CRNA Cath Placement
Published on Fri Jan 02, 2004
Question: One of our CRNAs placed a urinary catheter for a patient who had general anesthesia for a procedure. Can I bill for the nurse's anesthesia time?
Illinois Subscriber
Answer: Billing for the CRNA's time or for placing the catheter is not appropriate in this situation. Anesthesia time already includes the catheter placement if the CRNA is medically directed. If the CRNA places the catheter only, the service is included in the hospital's anesthesia services bill.