Anesthesia Coding Alert

Question: How should I code for anesthesia during a procedure that was diagnosed as left eustachian tube lesion followed by endoscopic resection of eustachian tube lesion? Our carrier accepts surgical codes for anesthesia.
               
Hawaii Subscriber

 
Answer: Lesion of eustachian tube and/or endoscopic resection of eustachian tube lesion are not yet in the CPT; there isnt even an unlisted endoscopic-procedure code. Code 69799 (unlisted procedure, middle ear) is the only one you could use for either procedure. Because you are looking for a CPT code for anesthesia, you would only need to reference this code. To calculate the fee, use the 00120 (anesthesia for procedures on external, middle and inner ear including biopsy; not otherwise specified) base units of five and add your time and any physical status modifiers. Also send a copy of the operative report with the claim to document your reason for choosing that code.