Summary & Overview
CPT 01935: Anesthesia for Percutaneous Image-Guided Spine Diagnostic Procedures
CPT code 01935 represents anesthesia for percutaneous image-guided diagnostic procedures on the spine and spinal cord. This code is significant nationally as it supports minimally invasive diagnostic interventions, which are increasingly common in pain management and neurology. The code is primarily utilized in outpatient hospital settings, reflecting the shift toward ambulatory care for spinal diagnostics.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, and UnitedHealthcare. Understanding coverage and reimbursement policies for these major insurers is essential for providers and administrators navigating the evolving landscape of anesthesiology services.
Readers will gain insights into clinical benchmarks, policy updates, and the broader context of anesthesia billing for spinal diagnostic procedures. The publication also addresses relevant modifiers, associated taxonomies, and related CPT codes, providing a comprehensive overview for stakeholders in anesthesiology, pain medicine, and radiation oncology. This summary offers a clear perspective on how CPT 01935 fits within current clinical and billing practices, supporting informed decision-making across the healthcare sector.
CPT Code Overview
CPT 01935 is used to report anesthesia services for percutaneous image-guided procedures on the spine and spinal cord when performed for diagnostic purposes. This code falls under the anesthesiology service type and is typically provided in an outpatient hospital setting (Place of Service 22). The procedure involves the administration of anesthesia to support minimally invasive diagnostic interventions on the spinal region, ensuring patient comfort and safety during image-guided evaluations.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A patient presents to the outpatient hospital with persistent low back pain, cervicalgia, or thoracic spine pain that has not responded to conservative management. The physician determines that a percutaneous, image-guided diagnostic procedure on the spine or spinal cord is indicated to further evaluate the source of pain. An anesthesiologist or pain medicine physician provides anesthesia services during the procedure to ensure patient comfort and safety. The procedure is performed under monitored anesthesia care, and the patient is typically healthy (ASA Physical Status P1).
Coding Specifications
-
Modifier
QS: Indicates that monitored anesthesia care (MAC) was provided during the procedure. Used when the anesthesiologist is present and monitoring the patient throughout. -
Modifier
P1: Denotes that the patient is a normal, healthy individual (ASA Physical Status 1).
| Provider Taxonomy Code | Specialty Name |
|---|---|
207L00000X | Anesthesiology |