Use 01402 for This Knee Surgery Anesthesia Service
Question: How should I code anesthesia services for a total knee arthroplasty on a 59-year-old patient? The anesthesiologist will be providing services during the surgery, but the patient will be receiving postoperative care from a different provider and practice. Massachusetts Subscriber Answer: For the anesthesia services for the total knee arthroplasty, also known as knee replacement surgery, report CPT® code 01402 (Anesthesia for open or surgical arthroscopic procedures on knee joint; total knee arthroplasty) and append modifier AA (Anesthesia services performed personally by anesthesiologist), per the documentation you’ve provided in the question. Both the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Relative Value Guide® (RVG™) assign 7 base units to 01402. Rachel Dorrell, MA, MS, CPC-A, CPPM, Production Editor, AAPC
