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Anesthesia Coding Alert

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Choosing Between Modifier QS and Moderate Sedation

Published on Thu Jan 06, 2011

Question: Would you explain the difference between MAC (monitored anesthesia care) and IV sedation? I know we use modifier QS with the anesthesia code for MAC. Should we report both types if our physician indicates IV sedation?Massachusetts Subscriber Answer:  Modifier QS (Monitored anesthesia care service) only applies to anesthesia codes (not surgical codes) and does not cross to the moderate sedation codes.CPT includes six moderate (conscious) sedation codes that differ according to the patient's age and the duration of service. The two primary MAC codes are:99143 -- Moderate sedation services (other than those services described by codes 00100-01999) provided by the same physician 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 ... 99148 -- Moderate sedation services (other than those services described by codes 00100-01999), provided by a [...]
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