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Pulmonology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Conscious Sedation During Bronchoscopy

Published on Tue May 01, 2001

Question: Can we code for the intravenous conscious sedation during a bronchoscopy if it is administered by the pulmonologist?

Utah Subscriber

Answer: You can report 99141 (sedation with or without analgesia [conscious sedation]; intravenous, intramuscular or inhalation), but there must be a qualified healthcare professional (i.e., nurse, technician) present who assists the pulmonologist in monitoring the patient. This individuals role should be documented in the operative report. Medicare will not pay for conscious sedation performed by the pulmonologist during a bronchoscopy. It is bundled into the procedure. Some commercial carriers may. If this is the case, you should use 99141.
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