Anesthesia Coding Alert
Report This for Anesthesia During EEG
Question: A 31-year-old patient underwent an EEG under general anesthesia due to behavioral issues and autism. She has a history of hypothyroidism, behavioral issues, insomnia, autism, and random outbursts. The EEG was performed under general anesthesia to evaluate for seizures. What are the best CPT® and anesthesia codes for this? I’m thinking I should also include a modifier, correct? Texas Subscriber Answer: Your best coding option is to report 01999 (Unlisted anesthesia procedure(s)) with an explanation of the service provided. Include thorough documentation to show the need for anesthesia in this instance because EEGs do not usually require anesthesia. However, as in your case, anesthesia might be required for children or physically challenged individuals undergoing a test or procedure. In some cases, you might be able to append modifier 23 (Unusual anesthesia) to indicate to the payer that there was an unusual circumstance requiring anesthesia. However, CPT® guidelines state that you cannot report modifiers with an “unlisted procedure” code. Only report 01999, with documentation explaining the situation.
Related Articles
Anesthesia Coding Alert
- Diagnosis Coding:
Follow 4 Steps to Successful Burn Diagnosis Selection
Site, severity, and type will guide your choice. In last month’s issue of Anesthesia Coding Alert, [...] - Practice Management:
Pay Attention to Potential Changes to Incident-to Billing
Your months to report the service might be numbered. If you code for pain management [...] - Compliance:
Find Your Own Fit for Documenting Risk
There’s not a set form for you to follow. You know that assessing your practice’s [...] - You Be the Coder:
Report This for Anesthesia During EEG
Question: A 31-year-old patient underwent an EEG under general anesthesia due to behavioral issues and [...] - Reader Question:
Include LT, RT Instead of 50 on 64420
Question: I know that some changes were made to codes 64420 and 64421 for 2020 [...] - Reader Question:
Screening Status Determines Whether to Report Modifier PT
Question: A patient had an EGD with biopsy for dysphagia and a screening colonoscopy that [...] - Reader Question:
Bill Facility Services Under CRNA Name, Not Attending
Question: Our CRNAs are employed by the hospital. They sometimes perform supplemental procedures such as [...] - Reader Question:
Assign Modifier AD When Physician Maxes Out on Concurrent Cases
Question: Our anesthesiologist is billing more than four concurrent cases. How do we file this [...] - Reader Question:
Code 93312 for TEE Crosses to 01922
Question: How should I code for anesthesia during a transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) procedure with probe [...] - Reader Question:
Check Approach Before Coding Stress Incontinence Sling
Question: Our physician provided anesthesia during surgery to place a stress incontinence sling. How do [...] - Reader Question:
Put These Patient Record Safeguards in Place
Question: A new front-desk staff member insists that our office is violating HIPAA by maintaining [...]
