Q. Since the Medicare Modifier -QS is not valid for actual reimbursement calculation, does it really need to be used?

A. It certainly does need to be used. The modifiers that are set forth by the Federal Medicare for use with anesthesia services are extremely important and must always be utilized. When preparing anesthesia charges for submission to Medicare or any other payer, there are several modifier choices to consider, AA, QK, QY, QX, QZ, QS. These modifiers indicate important aspects of the anesthesia administration such as what specialty is the provider -physician anesthesiologist or a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, whether or not the CRNA is being Medically Directed by an anesthesiologist, and / or whether or not the case involves the anesthetic administration technique referred to as Monitor Anesthesia Care or MAC. Whomever is handling the coding and billing should be completely aware and intimately familiar with these modifiers and the proper use of them.

Q. How are we certain we are maximizing CRNA reimbursement within our facility?

See Answer.

Q. What is the necessity of obtaining an NPI -National Provider Identifier?

See Answer.

Q. Does an entity as well as an individual provider need an NPI?

See Answer.

Q. What does the term "most favored nation" mean as it appears in many third party payer reimbursement agreements and participation agreements?

See Answer.

Q. What is an RFP?

See Answer.

Q. Does it make any difference if I select CPT-4 codes from the Surgical or Anesthesia Sections?

See Answer.

Q. Since the Medicare Modifier -QS is not valid for actual reimbursement calculation, does it really need to be used?

See Answer.

Q. How long will it take to develop a cash flow from a new practice opportunity?

See Answer.

Q. I have graduated from Anesthesia School, but have not taken my certification examination, can I still bill for my services since I have completed my required anesthesia program?

See Answer.

Q. In evaluating a practice opportunity what questions or data should I be requesting from the practice?

See Answer.

Q. I plan to do all of my own procedure and diagnosis coding, -CPT-4 and ICD9-CM coding) is this a good idea?

See Answer.

Q. Is it necessary to have type of contract with a facility/hospital before I commence providing anesthesia services?

See Answer.

Q. Why would I use an ABN-Medicare Beneficiary Advance Benefit Notification document?

See Answer.

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