The American Medical Association's guidelines now allow anesthesia groups to bill for ultrasound guidance with arterial lines, according to Anesthesia Business Consultants President and CEO Tony Mira.
Mr. Mira shared three insights on what this means for anesthesia groups:
1. Anesthesia groups that utilize ultrasound guidance could see additional revenue, but most anesthesia practices either don't place arterial lines using ultrasound guidance or don't document it.
2. Among insurers that pay for both ultrasound guidance and arterial line placement, the average ultrasound reimbursement is $18.65.
3. Payers might examine documentation for ultrasound services more closely now because billing guidelines have changed considerably in the past several years.