Anesthesia Coding Alert

Question: If the anesthesiologist is providing anesthesia via TIVA or MAC for joint injections (knee, hip or SI), the descriptor reads “nerve blocks and injections.” What code should we use?

Oklahoma Subscriber

Answer: The correct anesthesia code for these procedures normally would be 01991 (Anesthesia for diagnostic or therapeutic nerve blocks and injections [when block or injection is performed by a different physician or other qualified health care professional]; other than the prone position); the patient should be in a supine position for such injections.

Note: For the prone position, submit 01992 (... prone position) instead.

Additional info: Also use 01991 or 01992 to report anesthesia services in conjunction with an epidural, when administered. The ASA Crosswalk states “anesthesia care usually not required” for epidurals, but it sometimes is necessary. Be sure to have a documented medical reason for the anesthesia.