Coding rules can be very specific and often change from year to year. A coder must be up to date on current changes to accurately report and obtain proper payment for anesthesia services. One of the best ways to stay current on anesthesia coding is to use the most recent editions of the ASA CROSSWALK® and the ASA Relative Value Guide® (RVG™). These rank among the most important publications aimed toward the coding aspects of the practice of anesthesiology.
The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) code book contains codes that describe professional services provided by physicians and other qualified health care professionals. The American Medical Association (AMA) annually releases updated versions of the CPT code set, and the CROSSWALK and the RVG are also updated annually.
One of the added benefits of the RVG goes beyond the code listings. It also includes “RVG Comments” that offer guidance...