Anesthesia Coding Alert
Start Counting Time at Induction, Not During Interview
Question: We’re having quite a discussion with our physicians regarding stop and start times for anesthesia for endoscopies. One of them says the start time would be when he begins interviewing the patient. My understanding is that the start and stop times coincide with the actual anesthesia monitoring. Can someone clarify for us?
Michigan Subscriber
Answer: Your physician is misinformed on this point. Anesthesia time starts when the anesthesia provider prepares the patient for induction in the OR or procedure room, not during the pre-anesthesia evaluation. Anesthesia time stops when the provider transfers the patient’s care to another qualified provider postoperatively for supervision.
Source: Check the current Relative Value Guide from the American Society of Anesthesiologists for the most current description of anesthesia start and stop times.
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