ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

Question: What are some examples of drugs that commonly fall within the categories of -light,- -moderate,- and -deep- sedation?


Texas Subscriber

Answer: -Light- sedation usually involves drugs such as oral Xanax, or perhaps small doses of Versed alone. -Moderate- sedation often involves a narcotic in addition to Versed or a similar agent. For -deep- sedation, physicians may use etomidate, propofol, ketamine or brevital.

Remember: The kind of drug used isn't a foolproof determinant for the level of sedation administered. Depending on the amount of the drug used, the physician can easily move from one level to the next. So, the important factor to consider--in addition to the agent used--is the level of patient responsiveness. For moderate (conscious) sedation services, the patient should be able to respond to verbal and light tactile stimuli.