Anesthesia Coding Alert
Reader Questions:
MAC for Extubation
Published on Sun Dec 01, 2002
Question: Is it possible to charge for an extubation procedure? The surgeon did the extubation, and we provided MAC (monitored anesthesia care) for it. The procedure lasted nearly an hour and had a supporting diagnosis of mandibular abscess (526.4, Diseases of the jaws; inflammatory conditions). Florida Subscriber Answer: Needing anesthesia for an extubation is extremely rare. As such, there is no CPT code specifically for extubation, so you have to choose the closest appropriate code and explain it to the carrier. Use 31599 (Unlisted procedure, larynx) and include the procedure description as well as supporting documentation to explain the need for an anesthesiologist.
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