Anesthesia Coding Alert
Noninvasive Lumbar Punctures With MAC
Question: We use the new anesthesia code 00635 for noninvasive lumbar punctures requiring MAC. One of our anesthesiologists suggested we code with 00630 if fluoroscopy or other contrast is used. Is this correct? Nevada Subscriber Answer: Because many coders and carriers consider the use of contrast as diagnostic, 00635 (anesthesia for procedures in lumbar region; diagnostic or therapeutic lumbar puncture) is appropriate even when fluoroscopy or other contrast is used. However, if a surgical procedure is performed or if you do more than a diagnostic or therapeutic lumbar puncture (such as chemotherapy treatment), 00630 (anesthesia for procedures in lumbar region; not otherwise specified) would be appropriate. If the carrier accepts codes that are in the ASA Relative Value Guide but not in CPT yet, ASA code 01905 (anesthesia for injection procedure[s]; not otherwise specified [e.g., arteriography, myelography or diskography) is a more specific choice than 00630.
Anesthesia Coding Alert
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Because the answer to the May question ("Which anesthesia code corresponds with grafting procedure 15736 [...] - Reader Question:
Noninvasive Lumbar Punctures With MAC
Question: We use the new anesthesia code 00635 for noninvasive lumbar punctures requiring MAC. One [...] - Reader Question:
Diskography Billing
Question: When our pain management physicians do diskography and bill 62290* for each level, should [...] - Reader Question:
Multiple TPI Coding
Question: Our physicians insist on billing for each trigger point injection they administer, no matter [...] - Reader Question:
Physician-owned Nerve-block Equipment
Question: Our physician performed a peripheral nerve block (lateral femoral cutaneous block) on an obese [...]
