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:  The documentation of transesophageal echocardiography poses a number of interesting questions as there are a number of procedural options. As billing guidelines often change, it is always useful to review the current state of CPT and payer policy. There was a time, not too long ago, when cardiovascular anesthesiologists relied on th...

Summary: For the last several years, Medicare has increasingly placed an emphasis on a pay-for-performance model of reimbursement. It began with various incentive programs, such as PQRS, and continues with today's MIPS and alternative payment models (APMs). In the near future, new twists on this theme will emerge. Today's article touches on ...

​Physician Anesthesia ServicesWhen the anesthesiologist personally performed services. Report anesthesia services personally performed by the anesthesiologist with modifier AA. Medically DirectedWhen the anesthesiologist is involved in specific aspects of anesthesia services performed by other qualified individuals, the services are con...

Summary: There is often a cause-and-effect relationship between higher utilization and lower reimbursement within the healthcare sector. This relationship is coming into sharp focus with the surge of seniors now entering the Medicare program.Baby boomers are increasingly entering the rolls of Medicare. While many of them lead healthy and activ...