Are there any guidelines regarding the time documentation 99144 Conscious Sedation? CPT description states "first 30 minutes", does this mean it must be at least 30 minutes before reporting? Also, what documented times should we be using to calculate the time? I can't seem to find anything in writing regarding these issues. Thanks, any help would be greatly appreciated.
Here are some of the explanatory notes from CPT Assistant, Febr 2006:
"What Services Are Included in Moderate (Conscious) Sedation?
When providing moderate sedation, the following services are included and are not reported separately:
• Assessment of the patient (not included in intraservice time)
• Establishment of IV access and fluids to maintain patency, when performed
• Administration of agent(s)
• Maintenance of sedation
• Monitoring of oxygen saturation, heart rate, and blood pressure
• Recovery (not included in intraservice time)
Intraservice Time
Intraservice time starts with the administration of the sedation agent(s). It requires continuous face-to-face attendance and ends at the conclusion of personal contact by the physician providing the sedation. Additionally, the service time is included in each of the code descriptors and is also defined in the guidelines"
Also in this article, there are clinical examples.
Hope this helps! Be sure to check Appendix G for services that include the sedation.