Anesthesia Coding Alert

Question: The anesthesia record lists -Groshong catheter R- as the procedure. How should I code this?


Michigan Subscriber


Answer: You should review two things before coding this procedure: whether the anesthesiologist actually placed the catheter and what the -R- stands for (removal, replacement, etc.).

If the anesthesiologist placed the catheter, report it as a surgical service with 36557 (Insertion of tunneled centrally inserted central venous catheter, without subcutaneous port or pump; under 5 years of age) or 36558 (- age 5 years or older). Remember these are flat-fee services so you don't track or report the physician's time.

Report anesthesia code 00532 (Anesthesia for access to central venous circulation) along with the appropriate time units if your physician provided anesthesia while another physician placed the catheter.