What they mean
- P1: a normal healthy patient
- P2: a patient with mild systemic disease
- P3: a patient with severe systemic disease
- P4: a patient with severe systemic disease that's a constant threat to life
- P5: a moribund patient not expected to survive without the operation
- P6: a declared brain-dead patient whose organs are being removed for donation
Who pays for them
Medicare doesn't pay extra units for physical status. Many commercial payers do, usually for P3 to P5. Check each contract.
Why groups miss them
The physical status is in the anesthesia record but never makes it onto the claim. Across a year of cases, that adds up. See the anesthesia billing formula.
This article is general information, not billing, legal or tax advice. Payer rules change; always check current guidance.
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