Anesthesia Coding Alert

Question: What is the correct anesthesia coding guideline when a CRNA supplies MAC (monitored anesthesia care) with medication during a procedure performed by another provider? Do we use 99143-99145 or the codes from 00100-01999? 

Missouri Subscriber

Answer: The conscious sedation code series 99143-99150 (Moderate sedation services [other than those services described by codes 00100-01999] provided by the same physician or other qualified health care professional performing the diagnostic or therapeutic service that the sedation supports, requiring the presence of an independent trained observer to assist in the monitoring of the patient’s level of consciousness and physiological status …) should only be used when the physician who performs the procedure also provides the sedation. When an anesthesiologist or anesthetist provides the service, you should report a code from the anesthesia section of CPT®, which is series 00100-01999.