Wiki Anesthesia for Fetus 28 weeks

[Debra L Ramey]

Can you bill anesthesia on a fetus that is 28 weeks inutero?

Mother was given General Anesthesia. Fetus was given a weight-based cocktail: Fentanyl, vecuronium, atropine.

Anesthesia for Mother was 10:48 to 1429. Anesthesia for Fetus was 1145 - 1405.

Two anesthesiologists were involved with this case.

 

[thomas7331]

Just from an administrative and practical standpoint, you won't be able to bill anything for the fetus separately because the insurance companies won't cover a baby as a separate member on the policy until after the birth. You'd have to bill both charges to the mother's policy and I'd expect one would deny as a duplicate. Since it's a unique situation, you may be able to appeal with notes and an explanation for the multiple services and get payment for both physician's services.

 

[Debra L Ramey]

Thank you for the information.