Anesthesia Coding Alert

Answer: Total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) — the use of IV agents for induction and maintenance of anesthesia — is typically billable and payable, but coding depends on the type of anesthesia provided. TIVA is considered general if it results in loss of consciousness and monitored anesthesia care (MAC) when used for conscious sedation.

Since anesthesia doesn’t code procedures by type of anesthesia, you should code the anesthesia service by crosswalking the surgical procedure code. If you are unable to determine whether the anesthesia provided was general or MAC, query the provider.

Note: You might need to add a modifier (QS, G8, G9) to identify MAC services. Check with your payer, as preferences vary.