1. Kimberly Conrad
   Posted 3 months ago #
   

   Hi there...

   When coding for blocks as the method of anesthesia can we bill for the U/S guidance? If so are there any articles that explains this.

2. SuperCoder
   Posted 3 months ago #
   

   When utilizing real-time ultrasound guidance for nerve block procedures, CPT code 76942 should be billed. This code for ultrasound-guided needle placement comes from the radiology section of the CPT book. In order to charge appropriately for the use of ultrasound, your documentation must include an image taken during the procedure and interpretation of findings (limited since this is not a diagnostic code).
   *
   Many practices prefer to print an image and attach it to the procedure note with a text annotation identifying relative anatomy, needle placement, injection of local anesthetic solution, and avoidance of complications.
   *
   Office Setting Payment:
   In the office setting, a physician, who owns the equipment and performs the ultrasound guidance, may report the global/non-facility code and report the CPT code without any modifier.
   *
   26-Professional Component
   A physician who performs the interpretation of an ultrasound exam in the hospital outpatient setting may submit a charge for the professional component of the ultrasound service using a modifier (-26) appended to the ultrasound code.
   *
   TC-Technical Component
   This modifier would be used to bill for services by the owner of the equipment only to report the technical component of the service.
   *
   While many practices choose to include the -26 modifier when they bill for ultrasound-guided nerve blocks, this decision is practice-specific and should be determined by the providers and managers involved depends on the model of practice.
   **
   **
   Ref:
   http://www.gehealthcare.com/usen/community/reimbursement/docs/AN_reimbursement_info_2011_DOC0941387.pdf
   http://www.supercoder.com/articles/articles-alerts/aca/reader-questions-vascular-access-separates-76937-from-76942/?zoom_highlight=76942
   http://www.supercoder.com/articles/articles-alerts/aca/reader-questions-double-76942-ok-for-second-provider/?zoom_highlight=76942

3. Kimberly Conrad
   Posted 3 months ago #
   

   Thank you:)

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