Advanced Search

Anesthesia Coding Alert

READER QUESTIONS:

Consider 01922 or 00120 for Auditory Test

Published on Wed Mar 22, 2006

Question: Our physician administered general anesthesia while a 16-month-old child underwent auditory stimulation and electrical response tests. How should I report the anesthesiologist's involvement?


Nevada Subscriber


Answer: Coders have varying opinions on the best way to report auditory brainstem response (ABR). 

Some coders believe the closest option is 01922 (Anesthesia for non-invasive imaging or radiation therapy) but acknowledge that 01922 presumes a high risk for field avoidance that probably did not come into play during the auditory test.

Instead, your better option might be 00120 (Anesthesia for procedures on external, middle and inner ear, including biopsy; not otherwise specified). Many surgeons report 69949 (Unlisted procedure, inner ear) for the procedure, which crosses to anesthesia code 00120.
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