Summary & Overview
HCPCS S0144: Injection, Propofol, 10 mg
HCPCS Level II code S0144 denotes injection of propofol in 10 mg units, used for procedural sedation and anesthesia. This code matters nationally because propofol is a widely used intravenous sedative and anesthetic across outpatient procedures, endoscopy, and minor surgical settings; accurate coding affects billing transparency and claims processing for sedative medication administration. Key payers in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare (UHC), and Medicare. Readers will find a concise clinical context for the code, expected sites of service, and what to expect from payer coverage discussions. The publication outlines common billing considerations, payer coverage patterns, and related code groupings where available. It provides benchmarks and policy-relevant information to help billing staff and administrators identify where S0144 fits within anesthesia and sedation service lines, and it summarizes national payer approaches and Medicare considerations. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code S0144 describes injection of propofol, 10 mg. This code represents administration of the anesthetic agent propofol in 10 milligram increments for procedural or sedation purposes. The service type is medication administration (intravenous anesthetic/sedative), and the typical site of service is an outpatient procedure area or ambulatory surgical center, though administration can occur in other settings where monitored sedation or anesthesia is provided.
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Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient receiving S0144 (injection, propofol, 10 mg) is an adult or pediatric patient undergoing a short procedure or diagnostic test requiring deep sedation or general anesthesia in an outpatient setting. Example scenario: a 45-year-old male scheduled for an elective colonoscopy at an ambulatory endoscopy center. Pre-procedure assessment documents airway evaluation, NPO status, and medication allergies. The anesthesia team (CRNA or anesthesiologist) administers intravenous propofol titrated in 10 mg increments per the facility protocol to induce and maintain sedation. Vital signs, capnography, and pulse oximetry are continuously monitored. After the procedure, the patient is observed in the recovery area until discharge criteria are met. Typical workflow steps: pre-procedure consent and assessment; IV access and baseline monitoring; administration of propofol in 10 mg increments (S0144) with adjunct medications as needed; intra-procedure monitoring and documentation of doses and vital signs; emergence, recovery, and discharge instructions.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
59 | Distinct Procedural Service | When a separate, distinct procedure is performed on the same day that is not normally reported together with other services. |
| Repeat Procedure by Same Provider | When the same procedure is repeated subsequent to the original service by the same provider.