Summary: Given all the changes taking place in medicine, the specialty of anesthesia is often on the cutting edge with new approaches and strategies. Today's crisis is opioids. The response of a growing number of those in the anesthesia specialty is opioid-free anesthesia. It is a very worthy objective, but the question is whether it has more ...

Summary:  It's back to the chalkboard as we continue our review of the teaching rules for anesthesia providers. In today's article, we will focus primarily on case configuration, payment issues and documentation requirements. So, open up your notebooks and have your pencils at the ready! Two weeks ago, we presented the first in a two-part ser...

Summary: If one considers the historical trend of bundling "standard of care" practices into primary services, can the bundling of acute pain service be far off? What was once a new and increasing revenue stream opportunity may one day become part of the global anesthesia payment.A review of the history of payment for medical services in the U...

Summary: The requirements for participation and billing in the teaching setting are somewhat complex and often misunderstood. Many are uncertain about what they are allowed to do and to bill. In this two-part series, we hope to provide greater compliance insight to those working with residents and student nurses.In contradistinction to the Bri...

Summary:  Endoscopy cases had been an increasing line of business for many anesthesia practices in recent years, but revaluing of certain endoscopy-related anesthesia codes and the lingering effects of the COVID pandemic have caused concern among some groups. This article will explore where we currently stand as it concerns endoscopic cases.N...

Summary: The methods by which anesthesiologists and anesthetists memorialize their services for billing and clinical purposes is changing—and mostly for the better. Certain electronic record options provide many advantages, though a few shortcomings should be noted. Whether utilizing paper or electronic records, the primary task for the provid...

Summary: Medicare now allows payment for acupuncture, as well as dry needling. The difference between these two treatment techniques may be confusing to some pain practitioners. Today's article will address these differences and the requirements for billing.We can all learn something from each other. Eastern healing and Western medicine—the ke...

The majority of our clients do not work in facilities that have an anesthesia electronic medical record (EMR). Despite some early trepidation about the transition from a paper record to an EMR, most installations have gone fairly smoothly. The majority of our clients report that they are reasonably happy with the new system. As is so often the case...

Sure, they sound good. The come-ons and sales pitches that permeate our daily lives are certainly enticing; the rationale they employ can be quite alluring; but the bill of goods we're being asked to buy doesn't always turn out as advertised. That's why caution and discernment are essential tools for today's consumer. This principle of caveat empto...

Summary:  The current pandemic may provide a good opportunity to re-think your practice's strategic plan. Today's challenges may become tomorrow's opportunities. While there is much discussion of some simple solutions, such as merging with another practice, this is the time to explore unique and innovative options that will enhance the securit...

​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...

Summary: The big question everyone is asking these days is what will the new normal be like. Clearly COVID-19 has had a dramatic impact on all anesthesia practices. Only time will tell which of today's challenges will result in new ways of providing care and managing practices.One of the most interesting outcomes of the Great Depression was th...

Summary: The proposed Medicare fee schedule for 2021 contains bad news for those whose practices are not heavily dependent upon evaluation and management (E/M) services. In other words, anesthesia will take a hit. Pain providers can take some comfort in the expected increase in E/M reimbursement. he bad news just seems to keep coming. A pandem...

Summary: The coronavirus pandemic has not only negatively impacted surgical case volumes as a whole, it has eroded the collection percentage for the individual case. Today's article discusses the reasons for this phenomenon and how groups may overcome these obstacles in the days ahead.A Significant ChangeHow do our clients get paid for the services...

Summary: Ancillary procedures, such as postoperative pain blocks and invasive lines, are an important part of most group practices, but many may not realize that there are time-based rules tied to these services. As these rules can be a bit complex, the following article is provided.This is the last in our recent series of articles focusing on...

Summary: The coronavirus has impacted much more than surgical volumes; in fact, it has had a dramatic impact on every aspect of our lives. While OR volume is beginning to get back to normal, we are just starting to see how it has affected our ability to get paid for the work performed.There has been so much discussion about the drop in surgica...

Summary: Not all cases are created equal. Labor epidural services differ significantly from the more typical OR-based anesthesia cases when it comes to the rules for assessing and documenting time. To ensure anesthesia providers are up to speed on the requirements of labor epidural time documentation, this article is provided."I think it's tim...

Summary: Anesthesia practices should have more and better data about what actually happens in the operating rooms and delivery suite than most other departments in the facility. Do they use this information effectively? That is the question of the day. Effective business managers have learned that one cannot manage what one cannot measure. Ane...

Summary: Start time and stop time are not the only time issues that anesthesia providers must consider as they attempt to successfully document the medical record. Today's article provides helpful guidance on some additional time issues that many providers are currently overlooking.Earlier this month, we began a multi-part primer on anesthesia...

Summary:COVID continues to have an impact on anesthesia practices. A review of our clients' case volumes during the pandemic provides a picture of disparity, with some groups still grappling with the effects of the virus and others ramping back up to near normal case levels. This article provides insight on the current status and future outlook of ...