Neurosurgery Coding Alert

CPT 2001 has also instituted several additions to the text for the use of critical care codes. These additions clarify when the codes are appropriate and what can be billed along with them. The additions include but are not limited to the following text:

Although critical care typically requires interpretation of multiple physiologic parameters and/or application of advanced technology(s), critical care may be provided in life-threatening situations when these elements are not present.

Providing medical care to a critically ill, injured, or post-operative patient qualifies as a critical care service only if both the illness or injury and the treatment being provided meet the above requirements.

Critical care and other E/M services may be provided to the same patient on the same date by the same physician.

Time spent performing separately reportable procedures or services should not be included in the time reported as critical care time.