Anesthesia Coding Alert
Ensure Supporting Documentation Before Shifting from 00630 to 00670
Question: One of our providers uses 00630 for a lumbar microdiscectomy. Can the procedure qualify for 00670 and earn additional relative value units (RVUs)? Minnesota Subscriber Answer: Your provider is correct in reporting 00630 (Anesthesia for procedures in lumbar region; not otherwise specified) for a lumbar microdiscectomy, unless documentation supports the “extensive procedure” requirement of 00670 (Anesthesia for extensive spine and spinal cord procedures (eg, spinal instrumentation or vascular procedures)). Difference: CPT® includes 00670 for spinal instrumentation or multiple levels. The manual does not include a concrete definition of “extensive,” but some experts say to consider any spinal surgery involving more than one level “extensive.” Also, check the operative notes for details such as “lumbar laminectomy at L4/5, L5/S1” or “lumbar laminectomy with instrumentation.” Both of these cases would point to 00670, which carries 13 RVUs instead of the 8 RVUs associated with 00630.
Related Articles
Anesthesia Coding Alert
- Teamwork:
Make the Most of Claims With Multiple Anesthesia Providers
Watch your modifiers for correct accountability – and don’t forget GC. It’s not uncommon for [...] - Coding Tip:
Get Clarity From These Expanded Modifier Descriptors
Hint: They might give new coders a clearer understanding. The Relative Value Guide (RVG) from [...] - Practice Management:
Stay on Top of OSHA’s Latest COVID-19 Guidelines
Remember your responsibility to staff, not only patients. In the ever-changing world of healthcare regulation [...] - Partnerships:
Be Sure Your BAs Are on Board with HIPAA – Before It’s Too Late
Remember they’re under the same HIPAA regulations as your practice. One of your most critical [...] - You Be the Coder:
Epidural Insertion Code Outweighs Time Factor
Question: What amount of time should we include on the claim for epidural removal following [...] - Reader Questions:
Code 00630 Applies to Discontinued Vertiflex Procedure
Question: Our anesthesia provider began administering MAC (monitored anesthesia care) and IV sedation to a [...] - Reader Questions:
Think “Belly Button” for Upper/Lower Dividing Line
Question: I’m attempting to code anesthesia during a colectomy. Where would the incision be made for [...] - Reader Questions:
Remember That 01967 Is Specific to Obstetrics
Question: My surgeons have started using epidural anesthesia in lieu of general anesthesia for qualified [...] - Reader Questions:
Ensure Supporting Documentation Before Shifting from 00630 to 00670
Question: One of our providers uses 00630 for a lumbar microdiscectomy. Can the procedure qualify [...] - Reader Questions:
Turn to 36400 or 36410 for Difficult Venipuncture
Question: How do I code for venipuncture when the anesthesiologist is called to perform a [...] - Reader Questions:
Choose an E/M Code for Lumbar Drain Placement Follow-up
Question: Our anesthesiologist placed a lumbar drain that was left intact for several days. Code [...]
