Anesthesia Coding Alert

Question: Our anesthesiologists are beginning to work with patients having MRIs in a radiology office setting. Some MRI codes specifically state that anesthesia is not typically required, and some of the patients aren't expected to have underlying medical problems. What things should we keep in mind when coding the cases?

Answer: The typical code for anesthesia during MRIs is 01922 (Anesthesia for non-invasive imaging or radiation therapy). Keep these tips in mind when preparing your claims:

• Check for supporting diagnoses that might merit anesthesia during an MRI, such as Parkinson's disease (332.x) or severe claustrophobia (300.29, Phobic disorders; other isolated or specific phobias).
• Include qualifying circumstances codes when appropriate, such as +99100 (Anesthesia for patient of extreme age, younger than 1 year and older than 70 [List separately in addition to code for primary anesthesia procedure]).
• If a Medicare patient doesn't have an underlying condition that helps justify anesthesia, ask him or her to sign an Advance Beneficiary Notice before the procedure.
• Ensure that your physician clearly documents why the patient needed anesthesia during the procedure.