Advanced Search

Anesthesia Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Use 01968 for Complete C-Section, Not Partial Help

Published on Thu Jan 06, 2011

Question: When an anesthesiologist starts a labor epidural for a vaginal delivery and then a different anesthesiologist is present for a c-section, should we report 01968 or use 01961 because of the different physician?Louisiana Subscriber Answer: Report the first anesthesiologist's service with 01967 (Neuraxial labor analgesia/anesthesia for planned vaginal deliver [this includes any repeat subarachnoid needle placement and drug injection and/or any necessary replacement of an epidural catheter during labor]).For the second anesthesiologist, report +01968 (Anesthesia for cesarean delivery following neuraxial labor analgesia/anesthesia [list separately in addition to code for primary procedure performed]).Why not 01961: Code 01961 (Anesthesia for cesarean delivery only) represents all services associated with anesthesia for a c-section. You won't report it in this case because it implies that the second physician completed all the work associated with the delivery instead of only being present for the c-section.
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