Anesthesia Coding Alert

Question: Can we code for a line placement (such as an arterial line or CVP) that the anesthesiologist attempts but is unsuccessful with? If so, should we include a modifier to notify the carrier?

Wyoming Subscriber

Answer: Technically, you could report the attempted placement – but many coders do not because the service is not enough to justify a separate claim.

If you do report the service, submit 36620 (Arterial catheterization or cannulation for sampling, monitoring or transfusion [separate procedure]; percutaneous) or 93503 (Insertion and placement of flow directed catheter [e.g., Swan-Ganz] for monitoring purposes) and append modifier 53 (Discontinued procedure). Include documentation so the carrier knows your physician did not complete the procedure.