Summary: Determining the anesthesia mode can occasionally get complicated—both for the provider and the billing staff. Some situations can lead to unintended consequences, especially where a combined anesthetic is involved. It is important, then, for our readers to recognize the principles for correctly discerning and documenting the anesthesia te...

Summary:  Listing the anesthesia mode—or technique, as it is often called—is not as straightforward as it may seem. There are a few nuances to consider in terms of anesthesia record documentation, claims submission and payment.Learning the etymology behind certain phrases and words can be most enlightening. Studying the development of, and re...

Summary: 2020 was a very exceptional year. The coronavirus had a profound impact on the U.S. economy, American medicine and the specialty of anesthesia. While case volumes have recovered for most clients, the implications of the canceling of elective cases in March proved to be one of the ultimate practice management challenges. A careful review o...

Summary:  CPT codes often take time to be established. Many new nerve blocks are still unlisted, even though they are now used quite commonly. Providers should not be discouraged from trying new techniques just because they may be unpayable. The process of establishing new codes may be slow, but it does eventually include valuable services. T...

​Summary: Sometimes, you may not be sure that a service requested by a patient will be deemed medically necessary by the payer. In such circumstances, it may be appropriate to obtain payment directly from the patient, but prior notification is often required.As a provider of medical services, your first priority is to take care of your patient...