Anesthesia Coding Alert
Know Options for RF of Varicose Veins
Question: What is the correct code for radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins in the lower extremity? Answer: CPT does not have a specific code for this procedure, which means you will have to weigh your options. Some coders recommend 37204 (Transcatheter occlusion or embolization [e.g., for tumor destruction, to achieve hemostasis, to occlude a vascular malformation], percutaneous, any method, non-central nervous system, non-head or neck), which crosses to anesthesia code 01844 (Anesthesia for vascular shunt, or shunt revision, any type [e.g., dialysis]) and alternative code 01916 (Anesthesia for diagnostic arteriography/venography).
Oklahoma Subscriber
Other coders opt for 37799 (Unlisted procedure, vascular surgery) because the other codes report more invasive procedures than radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins. This crosses to anesthesia code 01520 (Anesthesia for procedures on veins of lower leg; not otherwise specified).
Anesthesia Coding Alert
- AAPC Conference Tip:
Verify Labor Epidural Codes With Carriers
Anesthesia or surgical codes might applyCoding for labor epidurals is a lot like dealing with [...] - Concurrency Checkpoint:
Follow Medical-Direction Guidelines
Administering labor epidural doesn't alter calculations
The ins and outs of medical direction -- reporting an [...] - You Be The Coder:
Know Options for RF of Varicose Veins
Question: What is the correct code for radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins in the lower [...] - Dig Into Your Patients' Pasts:
'V' Codes Can Boost Your Pay
Here's how to reduce denials -- and also increase your pay Patients often request anesthesia [...] - Reader Question:
Follow Add-On Rules for 75998
Question: What rules apply to reporting procedures with fluoroscopic guidance code 75998? Should I use [...] - Reader Question:
Don't Report TEG With CABG
Question: Our physician performed TEG (thrombelastography) during a coronary artery bypass graft case. Medicare denies [...] - Reader Question:
Determine Correct Chamberlain Code
Question: What is a Chamberlain procedure, and how should I report it?
Montana Subscriber
Answer: \Chamberlain procedure\" [...] - Reader Question:
Code by Surgery, Not Fluoro
Question: Our anesthesiologist was present during an ORIF (open reduction internal fixation) of an ankle. [...] - REader Question:
Report Reintubation With 31500
Question: Our anesthesiologist performed an emergency intubation one day, then had to exchange it the [...] - Reader Question:
Code Axillary Node Excision With 01610
Question: Which anesthesia code applies to an axillary node excision that is unrelated to a [...] - Reader Question:
Don't Apply 'Bilateral' to Anesthesia
Question: Our physician provided anesthesia for a bilateral periprosthetic capsulectomy of the breast. The surgeon [...] - Reader Question:
Subtotal Thyroidectomy = 00320
Question: Which code should I report for a subtotal thyroidectomy?
South Carolina Subscriber Answer: Several surgical [...] - AAPC Conference Advice:
Ease Your Disk Procedure Coding Pain
Hot tips on coding 3 common procedures Learning the ins and outs of disk procedure [...] - Terminology Time:
What Constitutes Pain?
Many causes lead to spine problems The term "pain" is so broad that many patients [...] - Yes, You Can Bill for Consults
Follow these 3 tips to know when to report them Medicare is increasing its audits [...] - You Be The Coder:
Technique Determines Impar Block Code
Question: What is a ganglion or impar block, and how should I code for it?
Mississippi [...] - Modifier Update:
Check Pump Refill Coding
Adding modifier -KD boosts pay for some infusion meds If your pain management group performs [...] - Reader Question:
Use 64640 for RF of SI Joint
Question: How should I bill a radiofrequency of the SI (sacroiliac) joint?
Vermont Subscriber Answer: Because [...] - Reader Question:
Verify Why Carrier Changes -59 to -51
Question: When our physicians provide anesthesia for a case and then administer a post-op pain [...] - Reader Question:
Opt for 64517 for Hypogastric Nerve Block
Question: What should I report for a two-needle, superior hypogastric nerve block? What fees apply?
New [...] - Reader Question:
Clearly Document Work of 01996
Question: What documentation requirements exist for daily epidural management?
Maine Subscriber Answer: Several guidelines help [...] - Reader Question:
Add -22 to Get Appropriate Pay for Popliteal Block
Question: CPT Codes does not have a code for continuous infusion to the popliteal nerve. [...] - Reader Question:
Report 64450 for Pain Relief Bier Block
Question: How should I code a Bier block for lidocaine infusion for pain relief (rather [...] - Reader Question:
Report 64483 for Lumbar Nerve Root Block
Question: What code should I report for a lumbar nerve root block?
Florida Subscriber Answer: [...]
