Section 4: Anesthesia
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***The following anesthesia codes are to be approved based on fee per minute. (Effective April 1, 2000.)***
NCIC Code | Description | Allowance |
ANT01 | major, general or spinal, by anesthesiologist (first hour) | $3.88 per minute up to and including 60 minutes |
ANT01 | major, general or spinal, by anesthesiologist (second hour and subsequent hours) | $2.05 per minute beyond 60 minutes |
ANT02 | major, general or spinal, by Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (first hour) | $2.55 per minute up to and including 60 minutes |
ANT02 | major, general or spinal, by Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (second hour and subsequent hours) | $1.05 per minute beyond 60 minutes |
Major, general or spinal anesthesia services should be distinguished by the the use of "Type of Service" code "7" on the CMS (HCFA) 1500 Form, and by the documentation of time (actual minutes) on the bill.
Note to Processors
- Unusual monitoring services are not considered part of the basic anesthesia package. Codes 36620-36625 and 93503 are such codes, and may be billed in addition to the "ANT" codes.
- When billing for injections or other pain management
procedures that are not considered part of a general anesthesia service, the
appropriate CPT code should be used and reimbursed accordingly.
- Use of CPT code 01996 for daily management of epidural or
subarachnoid drug administration is allowed. Reimbursement is $130.00 per
day.
- There are some items that have no CPT codes, such as any type of supply or minor anesthesia. These items must be entered as CPT code 99070.