Question:
Can we bill for the administration of nitrous oxide during labor and delivery or for other minor procedures performed at the bedside?
Answer:
Currently, there is no CPT/HCPCS code to report the administration of nitrous oxide, other than for use during dental procedures. From a billing standpoint, the gas is charged as a non-sterile supply (0271). For the charge to be defensible, it must be billed in measurable units that are supported in the documentation (i.e., per liter, per hour, per half hour, per quarter-hour, per minute, etc.) along with the written order that illustrates the medical need for administration.
This question was answered in our Coding Essentials for RT/Pulmonary Function. For more hot topics relating to respiratory services, please visit our store or call us at 1.800.252.1578, ext. 2.
CPT® copyright 2024 American Medical Association (AMA). All rights reserved.
Fee schedules, relative value units, conversion factors and/or related components are not assigned by the AMA, are not part of CPT, and the AMA is not recommending their use. The AMA does not directly or indirectly practice medicine or dispense medical services. The AMA assumes no liability for data contained or not contained herein.
CPT is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association.
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