dwaldman
True Blue
Question
Using the new CPT “Time” guidelines for reporting time-based codes, how would moderate sedation performed by an independent observer on an adult that lasts 35 minutes be reported?
Answer
Based on the CPT guidelines' instruction on “Time,” code 99144, Moderate sedation services (other than those services described by codes 00100-01999) provided by the same physician 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; age 5 years or older, first 30 minutes intra-service time, should be reported once. The rationale for reporting is that the “35 minutes” is closer to the stated time in code 99144 as opposed to the 15-minute time increment stated in code 99145. The CPT “Time” guidelines state: “When codes are ranked in sequential typical times and the actual time is between two typical times, the code with the typical time closer to the actual time is used.”
Using the new CPT “Time” guidelines for reporting time-based codes, how would moderate sedation performed by an independent observer on an adult that lasts 35 minutes be reported?
Answer
Based on the CPT guidelines' instruction on “Time,” code 99144, Moderate sedation services (other than those services described by codes 00100-01999) provided by the same physician 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; age 5 years or older, first 30 minutes intra-service time, should be reported once. The rationale for reporting is that the “35 minutes” is closer to the stated time in code 99144 as opposed to the 15-minute time increment stated in code 99145. The CPT “Time” guidelines state: “When codes are ranked in sequential typical times and the actual time is between two typical times, the code with the typical time closer to the actual time is used.”