CMS accepts RUC value recommendations for Fascial Plane Block codes
September 11, 2024Embracing the Future of Anesthesia Coding: Human in the Loop
October 10, 2024| RCM Riddle: Anyone in Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) might find this riddle all too familiar. Q: If you ask five coders the same question, how many different answers will you get? A: Typically, five. While this may be a humorous exaggeration, it reflects the real challenges we face in achieving consistency in anesthesia coding. The recent AIABPM conference in St. Louis, MO, addressed this very issue, helping attendees work towards greater coding alignment across the board. A key example from the conference involves axillary blocks, where clinical and coding interpretations sometimes diverge. For coders, there’s a well-defined CPT code for an axillary nerve block: CPT 64417. However, when anesthesia providers refer to an “axillary block,” they may actually be talking about an approach to the brachial plexus, which is captured by CPT 64415. The difference? RVUs. Without clear documentation, coders are left to either request clarification or, often, default to the lesser-valued code. As we await more information on the 2025 CPT updates, particularly regarding the new planar block codes, now is the perfect time to ensure that current codes, like these, are being applied accurately and consistently. Let’s seize this opportunity to bridge the gap between “clinical speak” and “coder speak.” Please contact us for any auditing or coding assistance! HANK/ACE Team |