Anesthesia Coding Alert

Hint: Focus on the medical -- not the dental -- payer. Many patients have separate medical and dental insurance, which can raise questions when it's time to file your anesthesiologist's claim. Focus on the medical side and learn payer guidelines, however, and you'll avoid the potential double-billing trap. Focus on Single Charge for Two Insurances Coders know how to handle claims when patients have primary and secondary coverage with two insurance companies, but that's not the same as having separate medical and dental insurance. Remember: Dental insurance is the channel for dentists to file their claims. "Dental insurance takes one set of codes that are not conducive to anesthesia, and medical insurance takes another set of codes," explains Cindy Smith, CPC, with Professional Healthcare Billing Services in Charleston, W.V. Result: You'll only report the anesthesia provider's service to the medical insurance company, not the dental insurer. Use the Right Modifier with 00170 [...]