Anesthesia Coding Alert

Question: How should I code an attempted Port-a-cath insertion? Should I report the anesthesiologist's time, or bill for a visit instead?


Montana Subscriber

Answer: Appropriate coding depends on when the surgeon canceled the case. If the surgeon canceled the case after it had begun, report the anesthesiologist's portion with 00532 (Anesthesia for access to central venous circulation) and the appropriate time units. The surgeon didn't complete the procedure, but the anesthesiologist did.
 
If the surgery was canceled prior to induction but not rescheduled, the anesthesiologist can charge for a visit; some coders report V64.1 (Surgical or other procedure not carried out because of contraindication) for this and list the reason for cancellation as a secondary diagnosis if required. If the physician reschedules the case within the next two to three weeks, don't charge anything right now; the pre-op visit will be included in the anesthesia fee for the actual procedure.