Outpatient Facility Coding Alert

Question: We need to report moderate sedation separately in 2017, according to the CPT^® update removing the moderate sedation symbol from hundreds of procedures. So, in 2017, who exactly will provide the sedation for 99151-99153?

Codify Subscriber

Answer: Basically, the same provider performing the diagnostic or therapeutic service also provides the sedation. This is evident in the descriptor for codes 99151-99153 (Moderate sedation services provided by the same physician or other qualified health care professional performing the diagnostic or therapeutic service that the sedation supports, requiring the presence of an independent trained observer to assist in the monitoring of the patient’s level of consciousness and physiological status …).

However, if you want to go into the details of who actually administers the medicine, you will need to check your state, professional society, and organization policies on the scope of practice for different health professionals. Check out these sites for more information:

• http://aamsn.org/faq
  
• https://sedationcertification.com/resources/position-statements/position-statements-by-state/clickable-map/. 

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