Anesthesia Billing

[sminer]

Does Medicare Part B require a physical status modifier for anesthesia claims?
Will Medicare Part B deny anesthesia claims if the physical status modifier is present?

 

[jkyles]

No. Part B doesn't recognize them.
I believe that if you put it as the last modifier it will not cause a denial, but you might want to double-check with the MAC you're billing.

 

[Hlutes]

Medicare will not deny or penalize your claim if the physical status modifiers are appended to your anesthesia codes.
As JKyles mentioned, check with your local MAC.
Our MAC (NGS), will not deny the claim. In most cases, the reason these modifiers are appended is due to secondary carriers that may recognize and reimburse for them.