Anesthesia Coding Alert
Capture Bilateral Rectus Sheath and TAP Blocks During Same Session
Question: The anesthesiologist administered a bilateral rectus sheath block from 3:35 to 3:40 p.m. and then administered a TAP block (bilateral abdominus plane) from 3:40 to 3:45 p.m. We’re unsure how to bill since there were bilateral blocks in both areas. Should we list 64488 on the claim twice and append either modifier 59 on the second line? Virginia Subscriber Answer: Begin your claim with CPT® code 64488 (Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block (abdominal plane block, rectus sheath block) bilateral; by injections (includes imaging guidance, when performed)). This code has a medically unlikely edit (MUE) of “1” so should only be reported once during an encounter. If the blocks were for documented as necessary for postoperatiave pain management, you could append either modifier 59 (Distinct procedural service) or the appropriate X modifier to separate the block from the anesthesia service provided. Your X modifier choices are: 
Anesthesia Coding Alert
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Use Operative Report as Your First Choice for Diagnosis Details
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Always Designate When MAC Is the Mode of Anesthesia
Question: Does the anesthesia record have to state when the type of anesthesia was MAC? I [...] - Reader Questions:
Capture Bilateral Rectus Sheath and TAP Blocks During Same Session
Question: The anesthesiologist administered a bilateral rectus sheath block from 3:35 to 3:40 p.m. and [...] - Reader Questions:
Choose from These Codes for Special Venipuncture
Question: How do I code for venipuncture when the anesthesiologist is called to perform a [...] - Reader Questions:
Submit 01610 for Mastectomy Anesthesia
Question: The surgeon performed an axillary sentinel node biopsy in conjunction with a partial mastectomy. [...]
