Payment at Personally Performed Rate
The fee schedule payment for a personally performed procedure is based on the full base unit and one time unit per 15 minutes of service if the physician personally performed the entire procedure. Modifier AA is appropriate when services are personally performed.
Payment at Medically Directed Rate
When the physician is medically directing a qualified anesthetist (CRNA, Anesthesiologist Assistant) in a single anesthesia case or a physician is medically directing 2, 3, or 4 concurrent procedures, the payment amount for each is 50% of the allowance otherwise recognized had the service been performed by the physician alone.
These services are to be billed as follows:
1. The physician should bill using modifier QY, medical direction of one CRNA by a physician or QK, medical direction of 2, 3, or 4 concurrent procedures.
2. The CRNA/Anesthesiologist Assistant should bill using modifier QX, CRNAservice with medical direction by a physician
Payment at Non-Medically Directed Rate
In unusual circumstances, when it is medically necessary for both the anesthesiologist and theCRNA/Anesthesiologist Assistant to be completely and fully involved during a procedure, fullpayment for the services of each provider are allowed. Documentation must be submitted byeach provider to support payment of the full fee.
These services are to be billed as follows:
1. The physician should bill using modifier AA, anesthesia services personally performed by anesthesiologist, and modifier 22, with attached supporting documentation.
2. The CRNA/Anesthesiologist Assistant should bill using modifier QZ,
CRNA/Anesthesiologist Assistant services; without medical direction by a physician, and modifier 22, with attached supporting documentation.
Payment at Medically Supervised Rate
Only three (3) base units per procedure are allowed when the anesthesiologist is involved in rendering more than four (4) procedures concurrently or is performing other services while directing the concurrent procedures. An additional time unit can be recognized if the physician can document he/she was present at induction. Modifier AD is appropriate when services aremedically supervised.
