READER QUESTIONS:
Propofol With GA or MAC
Published on Sat Jan 01, 2005
Question: I've been told that if the practitioner uses propofol, it constitutes general anesthesia (even if the anesthesiologist or CRNA documents MAC [monitored anesthesia care]). Is this true (and legal)?
Arkansas Subscriber
Answer: Using propofol does not determine whether the practitioner administered general anesthesia or MAC.
According to Medicare guidelines, using propofol (V58.83, Encounter for therapeutic drug monitoring) during a MAC procedure deems it medically necessary. Some carriers report V58.83 on all MAC Medicare claims that require documentation of medical necessity.
You should append modifier -QS (Monitored anesthesia care service) to the procedure code and submit a paper claim with a copy of the anesthesia record. You would not code separately for the propofol because it is considered part of the service.
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:
