Chart Talk: Anesthesia Coding Conversations

Anesthesia Coding

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Hi! My name is Dianne C. Moseley. I’m a healthcare professional with over 32 years of experience in revenue cycle management. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in every area of RCM, gaining a true understanding of how each part connects to the bigger picture. I am currently certified through AAPC with my CPC, CPCO, CPMA, and CANPC. For the past 15 years, I’ve focused my expertise on anesthesia — a specialty I’m deeply passionate about. I currently work with a large anesthesia group, as a Senior Auditor serving as a Subject Matter Expert, where I focus on optimizing coding accuracy, compliance, education, and revenue integrity. My passion lies in education, process improvement and helping others to succeed. This blog is a space where I will share practical insights, tips, and real-world guidance on anesthesia coding. My goal is to make complex concepts clear, support continuous learning, and help others feel confident navigating the anesthesia coding landscape.

Category: CPT

Changes and Guidelines pertaining to current CPT codes.

  • February Is American Heart Month — and a Perfect Time for Coding Reflection

    Today marks the first day of February, and with it comes American Heart Month—a crucial time to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. Since 1964, this national observance has focused on prevention through monitoring blood pressure, making heart-healthy nutrition choices, and staying physically active. Nearly 80% of…

  • Ilioinguinal and Iliohypogastric Nerve Blocks: What Coders Need to Know

    Post-operative pain management continues to evolve, and ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve blocks are commonly used regional techniques—particularly for lower abdominal procedures. While clinically effective, these blocks often raise coding and documentation questions, especially when they are performed together. What Are Ilioinguinal and Iliohypogastric Nerve Blocks (CPT 64425)? The ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves originate from the…

  • Coding Isn’t Always Black and White — Sometimes It Lives in the Gray

    In a perfect world, every medical record would contain clear, explicit language, neatly documented exactly the way coders want to see it. Every required element would be spelled out. Every box would be checked. But those of us who live in the real world of coding know better. Not everything in coding is black and…

  • Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) Block

    Another week, another opportunity to learn something new in anesthesia pain management. This week’s spotlight focuses on an unusual but increasingly common technique used for post-operative pain control: fascial plane blocks—with a special focus on the Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) block. What Is a Fascial Plane Block? Fascial plane blocks are regional anesthesia techniques where…

  • Sciatic Nerve Block – CPT codes 64445 & 64446

    DISCLAIMER:  Chart Talk:  Anesthesia Coding Conversations is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The information presented reflects the sole interpretation and professional opinion of the presenter. It does not represent the views or official guidance of my employer, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the American Medical Association (AMA), or any other regulatory or…

  • Brachial Plexus, Axillary, and Suprascapular Nerve Block

    Brachial Plexus – CPT 64415/64416 A brachial plexus nerve block is a regional anesthesia technique where local anesthetic is injected near the brachial plexus (a network of nerves for the arm) in the neck, above the collarbone, or armpit to numb the entire arm for surgery or to manage chronic pain, often as alternative to general.  When…

  • Post-Op Pain Blocks Series: Introduction

    Post-operative pain blocks continue to be an area of confusion for many coders, auditors, and providers—particularly when it comes to what is separately reportable, which CPT codes apply, and what documentation is truly required to support billing. This multi-part series is designed to break post-op pain block coding down into clear, practical segments, beginning with a…