Codes 99116 for total body hypothermia and 99135 for controlled hypotension aren't large revenue generators for anesthesia practices, but they still warrant a closer look, according to Anesthesia Business Consultants President and CEO Tony Mira.
Four things to know:
1. The American Society for Anesthesiologists' Relative Value Guide defines code 99116 as "anesthesia complicated by utilization of total body hypothermia." Code 99135 is defined as
"anesthesia complicated by utilization of controlled hypotension."
2. Each of these two codes should be listed separately in addition to the primary anesthesia procedure code. Neither should be reported in conjunction with codes 00562, 00563, 00567.
3. Induction of the hypothermic state and induction of controlled hypotension should both be documented at the time at which anesthesia services are provided.
4. Code 99135 requires providers to list "hypotension per surgeon's request."