Billing for IV Push in Preop/Recovery

[tnadolski]

If there is anyone who codes for ambulatory surgery I am having a problem.
I have been told that when drugs are administered by our nurses in preop or recovery for anxiety or for pain control that the drug can be billed but not the administration of it. Does anyone know?

[dwatson]

Dear Newbie:

According to CMS it would not be appropriate to routinely bill separately for drug administrations following surgery. Most drug administrations provided following surgery are related to the procedure (i.e. pain medication, anit-nausea, etc). The only time a drug administration could be billed separately is if the reason for the drug is unrelated to the procedure and documented in the medical record. See website:
http://cms.hhs.gov/HospitalOutpatien...PSGuidance.pdf

However, it is appropriate to bill for the drug.

Hope this helps,
Dawn