Anesthesia Coding Alert

Question: One of our providers returned from a meeting, saying he had talked to other providers who were collecting co-pays and deductibles up front from scheduled anesthesia patients. Is this an acceptable practice? If so, how does it work?

New Mexico Subscriber

Answer: Some physician groups do collect patient co-pays and co-insurance payments prior to surgery. Some also collect deductibles, though others just focus on insurance payments. Either way, put your policy in writing and educate patients about what they should expect and how the process is handled.

Heads up: If you file for co-insurance payment up front, you’ll receive an estimated amount. There might still be a balance for the patient to cover afterwards.