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ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

Reader Question:

Use Anesthesia Code for Sedative Help

Published on Thu Feb 19, 2004

Question: Our physician frequently sedates patients with fractures that the orthopedic resident treats. I know reporting 99141 isn't appropriate, but how should I code this?

Colorado Subscriber Answer: In such a situation, CPT directs you to use the appropriate code from the anesthesia section. For example, if the sedation were for a closed fracture of the humerus, you would use code 01730 (Anesthesia for all closed procedures on humerus and elbow). Or for sedation with a closed fracture of the ankle, you'd report 01462 (Anesthesia for all closed procedures on lower leg, ankle, and foot).

According to CPT, you shouldn't report code 99141 (Sedation with or without analgesia [conscious sedation]; intravenous, intramuscular or inhalation) if the physician administered the sedation in support of a procedure provided by another physician.
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