Anesthesia Coding Alert
Coding Prostate Brachytherapy
Illinois Subscriber
Answer: Coders have different opinions on the best way to report this procedure, whether you're coding for the surgeon or anesthesiologist.
Some coders recommend 55859 (Transperineal placement of needles or catheters into prostate for interstitial radioelement application, with or without cystoscopy), which crosses to anesthesia code 00400 (Anesthesia for procedures on the integumentary system on the extremities, anterior trunk and perineum; not otherwise specified).
Another possibility--if the radiologist served as surgeon and performed the prostate volume study--is 76873 (Ultrasound, transrectal; prostate volume study for brachytherapy treatment planning [separate procedure]). Then the anesthesia code is 01922 (Anesthesia for non-invasive imaging or radiation therapy).
Confirm which physician performed the procedure to help steer you toward the best anesthesia code.
Anesthesia Coding Alert
- ICD-9 Time:
Be Prepared for ICD-9 Changes--They're Just Around the Corner
New diagnoses give better pain management options
As the new ICD-9 codes kick in this month, [...] - Add-on Reminder:
Qualifying Circumstances Can Net You More Procedure Units
Don't forget add-on codes for non-Medicare carriers
As an experienced anesthesia coder, you know that Medicare [...] - Quick Look:
Get Ready for ICD-9's Latest Changes
ICD-9 2007 incorporates more than 300 additions, revisions and deletions
You'll have to get used to [...] - YOU BE THE CODER:
Coding Prostate Brachytherapy
Question: How should I code anesthesia during brachytherapy of the prostate?
Illinois Subscriber
Answer: Coders have [...] - Carrier Update:
Aetna Reviews Endo MAC Policy
Aetna is reviewing the medical necessity and appropriateness of MAC (monitored anesthesia care) for endoscopic [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Separate Line Insertions From Critical Care
Question: Our anesthesiologist provided several services while performing a consultation with an intensive care unit [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Submit 01965, 632 for Follow-up D&C
Question: A patient came in with fetal demise at 21 weeks. The anesthesiologist placed an [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Think of Interscalene Block as Brachial Plexus
Question: What is the best CPT code for an inter-scalene nerve block?
- READER QUESTIONS:
Verify Details for Synvisc Coding
Question: What diagnosis should I submit to support Synvisc administration?
Rhode Island Subscriber
Answer: Diagnosis coding [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Check 00300 for Abscess Procedure in Prone Position
Question: The surgeon performed an incision and drainage for a gluteal abscess while the patient [...]
