Intravenous Conscious Sedation is defined as:
A minimally depressed level of consciousness produced by intravenous pharmacological method (e.g., analgesics, antianxiety agents, sedatives). The sedated individual retains the ability to maintain a patent airway and to respond to physical stimulus and verbal command.
Appropriate HCPCS codes: D9241, D9242
General Anesthesia is defined as:
An induced controlled state of unconsciousness accompanied by partial or complete loss of protective reflexes, including the ability to maintain a patent airway or respond purposefully to physical stimulation or verbal command. This level of anesthesia would require a general systemic anesthetic given in an initial or loading dose with appropriate maintenance doses in addition to the analgesics, antianxiety agents, and sedatives.
Appropriate HCPCS codes: D9220, D9221
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