Anesthesia Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Steer Clear of Modifier PT for Anesthesia

Published on Thu Jun 02, 2011

Question: Can you tell me about the new modifier PT? Can we use it when providing anesthesia for colorectal cancer screenings?

West Virginia Subscriber

Answer: Modifier PT (CRC screening test converted to diagnostic test or other procedure) was created effective January 1, 2011. Providers should append modifier PT to the diagnostic procedure code being reported when the screening colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy becomes a diagnostic service, except when reporting anesthesia services.

Caution: According to revised MLN Matters bulletin MM7012 released March 2, 2011, "Modifier 'PT' has been created effective January 1, 2011 and providers and practitioners should append the modifier 'PT' to at least one CPT® code in the surgical range of 10000 to 69999 on a claim for services furnished in this scenario." Modifier PT does not apply to anesthesia procedures because they are out of the stated code range.

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