Anesthesia Coding Alert

Question: What are the latest documentation requirements for reporting daily hospital management of epidural administration? Massachusetts Subscriber Answer: Code 01996 (Daily hospital management of epidural or subarachnoid continuous drug administration) applies when the anesthesia provider starts an additional infusion or bolus in a previously placed epidural catheter. Patients typically undergo this type of administration for a two-day intrathecal pump trial or an epidural infusion procedure. NCCI stance: According to the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) coding manual, "Management of epidural or subarachnoid drug administration (CPT code 01996) is separately payable on dates of service subsequent to surgery but not on the date of surgery. If the only service provided is management of epidural/subarachnoid drug administration, then an evaluation and management service should not be reported in addition to CPT® code 01996. Payment for management of epidural/subarachnoid drug administration is limited to one unit of service per postoperative day regardless of [...]