The 2019 ASA Relative Value Guide contains changes to codes 99116 and 99135, which have been used inconsistently by anesthesia practices across the country, according to Anesthesia Business Consultants President and CEO Tony Mira.
Code 99116 was originally defined as "anesthesia complicated by utilization of total body hypothermia." Now, the code can be billed in addition to a service "without pump" (CPT 00566).
Code 99135 is more commonly used than code 99116. It was defined as "anesthesia complicated by utilization of controlled hypotension," which is understood to be medically induced. The new guidance allows this code to be used in conjunction with CPT 00566.