Anesthesia Coding Alert

Don't shy from submitting the same V code as surgeons.

If you avoid the V code section of ICD-9 because you aren't sure whether the choices apply to anesthesia claims, it's time to take a closer look. V codes provide additional information and specificity, which can help get a claim paid.

Remember Both MDs Can Report V's

The surgeon and anesthesiologist can both submit the same V code for a patient's primary diagnosis or to help explain the patient's medical history.

Example: Your anesthesiologist might be involved with prophylactic removal of a patient's ovary. Both physicians could report V50.42 (Prophylactic organ removal; [...]

- Published on 2011-12-06