Consider the post-op pain block. Medicare and carriers have been for a long time. Now, Noridian is considering a move that would restrict payment for blocks. From the Draft LCD DL33188:
 
“Following discharge from the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), the medically reasonable and necessary placement of regional or peripheral pain blocks or initiation of other new pain interventions or “top-up” dosing may be reimbursable. Providers should not expect separate payment for the establishment of epidural or other pain blocks unless the block is placed following discharge from PACU due to documented inadequate pain control.”

Providers have until July 11 to comment. You can find out about the final decision in an upcoming issue of the Anesthesia & Pain Coder’s Pink Sheet and at the Anesthesia Billing, Coding & Compliance Summit. On Day 1 of the main conference, Leslie Johnson, CPC & Clifford Gevirtz, MD will present Post-operative pain blocks: Clear up CCI confusion, avoid lost revenue.