Getting paid for ultrasound guidance during postoperative pain blocks — 3 reminders

In order to get paid, providers must properly document ultrasound guidance during the placement of postoperative pain blocks, according to Anesthesia Business Consultants President and CEO Tony Mira.

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Three reminders:

1. If a provider must perform more than one postoperative pain block in the same case, the provider performing the blocks may not bill for more than one unit of USG.

2. When the code descriptor for USG includes the language “imaging supervision and interpretation,” it means an interpretive report is required.

3. Providers cannot get paid for a USG service if the image isn’t retained either by hard copy or digitally.

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