Anesthesia Coding Alert
Epidural Catheter Implantation
Question: The physician performed an epidural catheter implantation under moderate sedation. It was a continuous epidural that we managed for two additional days. What procedure code would I use for this?
Answer: The epidural’s placement will determine the correct code. Choose between 62318 (Injection[s], including indwelling catheter placement, continuous infusion or intermittent bolus, of diagnostic or therapeutic substance[s] [including anesthetic, antispasmodic, opioid, steroid, other solution], not including neurolytic substances, includes contrast for localization when performed, epidural or subarachnoid; cervical or thoracic) for cervical/thoracic placement or 62319 (… lumbar or sacral [caudal]) for lumbar/sacral placement.
Code 62318 or 62319 will only apply to the day when the physician places the epidural. Then submit 01996 (Daily hospital management of epidural or subarachnoid continuous drug administration) for each of the following days of management.
Louisiana Subscriber
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