Anesthesia Coding Alert

Question: Our biller wants to report +99140 for the anesthe­siologist’s professional component in an emergency appendectomy. I’m not familiar with this code. How and when should we report +99140?

New Mexico Subscriber

Answer: First, realize that no other type of provider can report +99140 (Anesthesia complicated by emergency conditions [specify] [List separately in addition to code for primary anesthesia procedure]). Second, note that +99140 is an add-on code that you must submit in conjunction with another CPT® anesthesia code instead of by itself.

Definition: The ASA Relative Value Guide defines an emergency as “existing when delay in treatment of the patient would lead to a significant increase in the threat to life or body part.” For example, a patient with a burst appendix presents an overwhelming risk of infection and complications if treatment is delayed.

Important: Remember that a case doesn’t automatically qualify for +99140 simply because the patient came to the hospital through the Emergency Department.

If the emergency conditions are documented on the anesthesia record, have that information available to provide to the carrier if they require documentation for support of payment and/or consideration. List the applicable anesthesia procedure code on the first line of the claim, then +99140 on the second line.