Separately billable
Arterial lines and central venous catheters placed by the anesthesia provider are generally billed separately from the anesthesia code, using their own procedure codes. Make sure your coders know to look for them in every record.
Ultrasound guidance for central lines
Ultrasound guidance for vascular access can be billed separately when you document:
- That you checked the vessel was open before placing the line
- Real-time ultrasound viewing of the needle entering the vessel
- A saved image in the record
Without all three, expect a denial.
Time
Lines placed during anesthesia time don't usually need to be subtracted the way blocks can, but payer rules differ. Check yours.
Don't miss them
Missed lines are one of the most common reasons anesthesia groups under-bill. A quick monthly check of records against claims usually finds them.
This article is general information, not billing, legal or tax advice. Payer rules change; always check current guidance.
Sources
- CMS: Medicare Claims Processing Manual, Chapter 12 (Anesthesia)
- CMS: National Correct Coding Initiative edits