Anesthesia Coding Alert
Choose Correctly Between Modifiers QY and QX
PDF
Question: I’m coding for a procedure that included an anesthesiologist and CRNA. Can you clarify for me how to bill with the QY modifier? Indiana Subscriber Answer: When an anesthesiologist and CRNA work together, you need to append the appropriate “performance” modifiers to indicate each provider’s role in the procedure. The QY modifier (Medical direction of one certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) by an anesthesiologist) shows that the anesthesiologist medically directed the CRNA during the case; you should only append it to the anesthesiologist’s claim. The corresponding modifier for the CRNA’s service when medically directed is modifier QX (CRNA service: with medical direction by a physician). Several other modifiers are available to indicate medical direction or medical supervision, depending on the circumstances. They are: QK (Medical direction of two, three, or four concurrent anesthesia procedures involving qualified individuals).
Related Articles
Anesthesia Coding Alert
- Anesthesia Basics:
Don't Get Muddled Over Moderate Sedation Coding
Keep 4 things in mind when deciding whether you can report the service. Hearing multiple [...] - Code Corner:
Choose from These Codes When Reporting Moderate Sedation
Caveat: Have clear documentation that the codes apply. CPT® 2019 includes six codes for moderate [...] - Procedure Focus:
Are You Up to Date on TPI Coding? Find Out Before It's Too Late
Plus: Keep this list of potential associated diagnoses handy. Even if you don’t code for [...] - Technology News:
CMS Makes a Move to Close Communication Gaps
Here’s the scoop on the newest way to share data. The Centers for Medicare & [...] - You Be the Coder:
Submit This Code for Axillary Sentinel Node Biopsy
Question: The surgeon performed an axilliary sentinel node biopsy in conjunction with a partial mastectomy. Which [...] - Reader Question:
Begin With 36902 to Cross to Anesthesia for Dialysis Circuit
Question: What is the correct way to code for anesthesia related to angioplasty on a dialysis [...] - Reader Question:
'Unlisted' Is Your Option for Anesthesia During Nasogastric Tube Placement
Question: I bill for a children’s hospital and a small child was brought to the [...] - Reader Question:
Remember That 62263 Covers Multiple Days of Treatment
Question: My physician performed an epidural lysis and administered three injections over the course of [...] - Reader Question:
Choose Correctly Between Modifiers QY and QX
Question: I’m coding for a procedure that included an anesthesiologist and CRNA. Can you clarify [...] - Reader Question:
Don't Try to Bill Anesthesia for Fetus During Mom's Surgery
Question: An expectant mother was given general anesthesia during a procedure. The fetus (28 weeks [...] - Reader Question:
Append Modifier 23 to Explain Unusual Anesthesia
Question: A patient needed general anesthesia during an EEG due to behavioral issues and autism. [...]
