Anesthesia Coding Alert
TAP Catheters Explained
Question: What is a TAP catheter, and how should we code for using one?
Answer: Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) catheters are an alternative to epidural analgesia after upper abdominal surgery. Your provider may also use it as an adjunct to his anesthesia for abdominal laparoscopic procedures.
If a TAP catheter is used for postoperative pain management, report 64450 (Injection, anesthetic agent; other peripheral nerve or branch). Another option is 64421 (Injection, anesthetic agent; intercostal nerves,multiple, regional block).
If the block is used as part of the anesthesia — not for post-operative pain management — do not report it separately from the anesthesia services code.
Usage: A TAP block is particularly useful for patients where an epidural is contraindicated or refused. The TAP can be performed unilaterally (for example, for an appendectomy), or bilaterally when the incision crosses the midline (such as a Pfannenstiel incision). The anesthesiologist can administer a single injection or insert a catheter for several days of analgesic benefit.
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Anesthesia Coding Alert
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