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Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Epidural

Published on Thu Aug 01, 2002

Question: An ob/gyn performed the epidural before delivery because the anesthesiologist did not arrive in time. What is the correct code to bill for the placement of the epidural?

Michigan Subscriber

Answer: When the attending OB administers an epidural, report one of two codes:

  • 62311 Injection, single (not via indwelling catheter), not including neurolytic substances, with or without contrast (for either localization or epidurography), of diagnostic or therapeutic substance(s) (including anesthetic, antispasmodic, opioid, steroid, other solution), epidural or subarachnoid; lumbar, sacral (caudal) for a single epidural injection
  • 62319 Injection, including catheter placement, continuous infusion or intermittent bolus, not including neurolytic substances, with or without contrast (for either localization or epidurography), of diagnostic or therapeutic substance(s) (including anesthetic, antispasmodic, opioid, steroid, other solution), epidural or subarachnoid; lumbar, sacral (caudal) for continuous infusion.

    You can also add modifier -47 (Anesthesia by surgeon) to further clarify that the attending performed the epidural.

    Answers to Reader Questions and You Be the Coder provided by Melanie Witt, RN, CPC, MA, an ob/gyn coding expert based in Fredericksburg, Va.

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