ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert
Can You Report Moderate Sedation Codes Along with RSI?
Question: When a patient has rapid sequence intubation (RSI), can moderate sedation be billed separately or is this included in the RSI procedure?
Illinois Subscriber
Answer: Moderate sedation codes do not work for RSI. Per CPT “Moderate (conscious) sedation is a drug induced depression of consciousness during which patients respond purposefully to verbal commands, either alone or accompanied by light tactile stimulation. No interventions are required to maintain a patent airway, and spontaneous ventilation is adequate. Cardiovascular function is usually maintained.” The fact that the patient is being intubated means that they are not able to maintain their own airway.
The patient is not being sedated consistent with the MCS code since they are specifically unable to respond to painful stimuli and obviously are not maintaining their airway.
ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert
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