decisionhealth Newsletters, Answer Books - 2009 Issue 2 (February)
Cancelled Anesthesia / How to code cancelled anesthesia
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Article Overview
This article covers how cancelled anesthesia services are handled when a case ends at different stages of the preoperative and intraoperative process. It is intended for anesthesia coders, billers, and practice staff who need a general overview of the relevant E/M and anesthesia coding categories, along with mention of payer-specific documentation and reimbursement handling.
Why This Topic Matters
Cancelled anesthesia claims can be affected by when the procedure stopped and by payer-specific rules, so correct reporting and documentation can affect whether the service is payable and how it is processed.
Article Sections
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Cancelled anesthesia by stage of service
Explains the major stages at which a case may be cancelled and discusses the related billing categories at a high level. It also notes that different payers may handle these situations differently.
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Payer-specific notes and documentation
Summarizes documentation references and payer-specific considerations mentioned in the article. This section highlights that certain carriers and regional policies may apply additional handling requirements.
What You Will Learn
- How cancelled anesthesia is discussed in relation to the point at which a case stops
- What broad coding categories are referenced for cancelled services
- Which kinds of payer or documentation notes may be mentioned in connection with cancelled anesthesia claims
- How regional or carrier-specific policies may affect the handling of cancelled anesthesia
Who Should Read This
- Anesthesia coders
- Medical billers
- Revenue cycle staff
- Anesthesiology practice administrators
- Compliance staff
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
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