Anesthesia Coding Alert
Rely on Multiple Codes for Labor Turned C-Section
Question: Our anesthesiologist placed a continuous epidural for a labor patient, and then remained in attendance while the obstetrician attempted an external cephalic version. The version was unsuccessful, so he delivered the baby by cesarean section. Which OB anesthesia codes should I use?
Delaware Subscriber
Answer: You should report 01967 (Neuraxial labor analgesia/anesthesia for planned vaginal delivery [this includes any repeat subarachnoid needle placement and drug injection and/or any necessary replacement of an epidural catheter during labor]) for the primary procedure, and then +01968 (Anesthesia for cesarean delivery following neuraxial labor analgesia/anesthesia [list separately in addition to code for primary procedure performed]) for the cesarean section.
Anesthesia Coding Alert
- Documentation Checkpoint:
Determine if 1 Sentence Counts as a 'Formal Radiologic Report'
Hint: Maybe or maybe not, depending on the information providers give
When you-re reporting a procedure [...] - Guideline Help:
ACR Lists Components of Formal Reports
Documentation would get an 'A,' but doctors might not go for it
If your group is [...] - 2006 Hot Button:
Take Note of E/M Changes Before Coding Your Next Consult
Confirmatory and follow-up inpatient options are gone
If you find yourself periodically coding for patient consults, [...] - You Be the Coder:
Choosing a Code for Auditory Test Anesthesia
Question: Our physician provided anesthesia while an 11-month-old patient underwent an auditory test. The surgeon's [...] - News Brief:
2006 CF Could Damage Anesthesia, PM Bottom Lines
Report the corrent CF depending on your service
Whether your group focuses on anesthesia or pain [...] - 2006 Update:
CPT Introduces New Codes for Abortion Anesthesia
Understand the differences between 2 reporting options
CPT 2006 incorporates only two new codes in the [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Extent of Pectoralis Repair Dictates Code
Question: What anesthesia code should I use for pectoralis repair?
Massachusetts Subscriber
Answer: CPT does not include [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Rely on Multiple Codes for Labor Turned C-Section
Question: Our anesthesiologist placed a continuous epidural for a labor patient, and then remained in [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Base Debridement Code on Procedure Depth
Question: Our physician administered anesthesia during a debridement excision of toes; the supporting diagnosis is [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
01922 Is Best Bet for Adrenal Gland Biopsy
Question: How should I code for anesthesia during a CT-guided adrenal gland biopsy?
Washington Subscriber
Answer: [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Airway Loss Is Key to MAC Versus General
Question: What guideline should I follow when determining whether to code a case using propofol [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Watch Timing for Delivery and Sterilization Coding
Question: Our carrier is denying claims when the obstetrician performs a sterilization the same day [...]
