New coding guidance: Spend time on moderate sedation, stop self-inflicted pay cuts next year

Why This Topic Matters

The article is relevant to organizations that bill moderate sedation under CPT because the 2017 policy changes affect how sedation is recognized, documented, and associated with procedures. It also addresses practice workflow updates that can influence reimbursement and compliance.

Article Sections

1. New coding guidance and revenue impact

   Introduces the CPT 2017 moderate sedation changes and explains why practices that provide sedation services should pay attention to billing and reimbursement effects.

2. New policy, new revenue risk

   Discusses the shift in how certain procedures and associated sedation services are treated under the updated CPT framework, with emphasis on reimbursement risk.

3. Modified time rules for moderate sedation

   Summarizes the revised time-based reporting framework for moderate sedation and how the timing approach differs from other CPT time-based guidance.

4. Understand intraservice work

   Reviews the broader definitions around work performed during the service, including what is considered part of the active service period versus surrounding care.

5. 4 steps to take now

   Outlines practical preparation topics for practices, including documentation review, tool updates, time tracking, and checking procedures that involve anesthesia.