• If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ & read the forum rules. To view all forums, post or create a new thread, you must be an AAPC Member. If you are a member and have already registered for member area and forum access, you can log in by clicking here. If you've forgotten the password it can be reset on our sign in section by entering your registered Email Address or Username here. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below..

Wiki anesthesia coding question

jsecor

Guest
Messages
17
Location
Phoenix
Best answers
0
Can anyone assist with my questions from the anesthesiologist. Is there a way to bill for major positional changes that allows for any additional reimbursement to the provider? I have read where you could get 2-3 additional units depending on positioning. What exactly does that mean, and how is that actually done? This is typically done for MUA's where I believe regardless of how many positional changes are done, they are still only getting paid for the minimum 5 base units, depending on procedure. Any assistance is greatly appreciated.
 
According to the 2013 ASA RVU Guide (page xi)
"Any procedure around the head, neck, or shoulder girdle, requiring field avoidance, or any procedure requiring a position other than supine or lithotomy, has a minimum Base Value of 5 regardless of any lesser base value assigned to such procedure in the body of the Relative Value Guide."

Traditional Medicare WILL NOT allow extra value for positioning.

Check with other carriers-for example United Health Care requires the following:
"Only anesthesia management services with a base value of less than 5 units appended with modifier 22 for unusual positioning of field avoidance would be considered for additional reimbursement when submitted with supporting documentation. Other anesthesia management services will not be allowed additional reimbursement with modifier 22."
 
Michelle,
Thanks for the reply, this is most helpful and we can better explain this information to the provider. :)
 
Top