Anesthesia Coding Alert
Only Report CP Block for Post-Op Pain
Question: Our physician used general anesthesia during a patient's carotid endarterectomy, but also administered a cervical plexus block. The block was not for postoperative pain management. Can I code it separately?
North Carolina Subscriber
Answer: Using general anesthesia in conjunction with the cervical plexus block is known as a combined anesthesia technique. Report the main procedure with 00350 (Anesthesia for procedures on major vessels of ), which includes the cervical plexus block.
You should only report the cervical plexus block separately when the surgeon requests it and you have documentation that it is for post-op pain management. In that case, report 64413 (Injection, anesthetic agent; cervical plexus) and append modifier 59 (Distinct procedural service) to indicate that it is separate from the surgical procedure.
Anesthesia Coding Alert
- Compliant Coding:
Monitor 3 Trap-Prone Areas to Stop Upcoding Errors in Their Tracks
Check your base units to avoid audit troubles
Even if upcoding claims (miscoding procedures and bringing [...] - Coding Checkpoint:
Quick Tips to Avoid Upcoding Errors
Reading descriptor details helps keep claims clean
You can take steps to help reduce the upcoding [...] - CPT Update:
AMA Releases Updates to 2006 Codes
Change your parenthetical notes for 01991-01995
The AMA recently published CPT 2006 Errata, which gives a [...] - Pain Management Corner:
J Codes Are Your Key When Coding Botulinum
Check billing units and vials before submitting claims
If your pain management provider purchases botulinum medication, [...] - You Be the Coder:
Know When to Bill Multiple A-Lines
Question: Can we bill for two arterial (A-line) insertions during the same surgery?
Texas Subscriber
Answer: [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
You Can Code PCEA Initiation and Follow-Up
Question: How should I code PCEA initiation for a commercial carrier? Can I code additional [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Consider 01922 or 00120 for Auditory Test
Question: Our physician administered general anesthesia while a 16-month-old child underwent auditory stimulation and electrical [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Watch Documentation Before Coding Consult
Question: Our anesthesiologist noted he performed a postoperative pain consultation and inserted an epidural following [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Report 00940 for Episiotomy Repair
Question: How should I code an episiotomy repair done under general anesthesia after the woman [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Don't Forget 3-Year Rule for New Consults
Question: A physician in another practice asked our pain specialist to perform a patient consult. [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Only Report CP Block for Post-Op Pain
Question: Our physician used general anesthesia during a patient's carotid endarterectomy, but also administered a [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
00860 Is Better Code for TVT Surgery
Question: What anesthesia code should I use for TVT (transvaginal taping) surgery? Some physicians report [...]
