Anesthesia Coding Alert

Question: Is there a way to code for the removal of a jejunostomy tube that was done under sedation in the OR? No other E/M service was performed that day.

Florida Subscriber

Answer: The procedure for removing the tube has no specific code, so an unlisted procedure code such as 01999 (unlisted anesthesia procedure[s]) is appropriate. You could also treat the removal as monitored anesthesia care (MAC), appending the -QS modifier (monitored anesthesia care service) and including a letter showing medical necessity for the anesthesia.

Another option is to bill the procedure with an evaluation and management (E/M) code that reflects the time and effort involved, such as 99212 (office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient, which requires at least two of these three components: a problem focused history, a problem focused examination, straightforward medical decision making).


- Answers to Reader Questions and You Be the Coder are provided by Cecelia McWhorter, BA, CPC, a coder with the physician billing agency of Comp One Services Ltd. in Oklahoma City.