Anesthesia Coding Alert

READER QUESTIONS:

Code Higher Base for Multi-CABG Procedure

Question: A patient underwent a two-vessel CABG (coronary artery bypass graft) procedure off-pump. Then she was put on the pump for a three-vessel CABG. How should I report the anesthesia?

Indiana Subscriber Answer: When the anesthesiologist participates in multiple procedures, you may report the highest base appropriate procedure. In this case, the off-pump code is the higher-base procedure (25 units). Because the physician performed part of the procedure off-pump, you should report 00566 (Anesthesia for direct coronary artery bypass grafting without pump oxygenator), provided you have documentation for it.  - You Be the Coder and Reader Questions were answered by Cheryl Pascale, CCS, a coder with Hackensack Anesthesiology in Hackensack, N.J.
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