Advanced Search

Anesthesia Coding Alert

MAC Coding:

Learn Definitions and Focus on Airway to Separate MAC From Moderate Sedation

Published on Mon Jun 11, 2012

Plus: Remember it's a type of anesthesia, not just sedation level. Monitored anesthesia care (MAC) is an area that can trip up coders, from newbies to those with years of experience. If you sometimes have trouble distinguishing MAC from moderate sedation, our experts recommend focusing on the patient's airway for the right answer every time. Refresh Your MAC Knowledge The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) first published a position statement on MAC in 1986. The latest revision was in September 2008, with clarifications of terms such as "extended period of time" and "majority of the procedure." MAC includes all aspects of anesthesia care: a pre-procedure visit, intraprocedure care, and post-procedure anesthesia management. Services during monitored anesthesia care can include: Diagnosis and treatment of clinical problems that occur during the procedure Support of vital functions Administration of sedatives, analgesics, hypnotics, anesthetic agents, or other mediations as necessary Psychological support and physical [...]
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Anesthesia Coding Alert

View All