Anesthesia billing is usually based on two parts: a base unit for the surgery type and time units for how long the anesthesia lasts. The time is counted from anesthesia start to anesthesia end, and it is billed in 15-minute blocks, with 1 time unit for each block. The final payment is then multiplied by a payer-specific conversion factor.

For regional blocks, the billing depends on the purpose of the block. If the block is the main anesthetic for surgery, it is billed as part of the anesthesia code. If it is done for pain relief after surgery, it is billed as a separate CPT code, not as part of the anesthesia base and time units.

Timing matters too. A block for surgical anesthesia can count in the anesthesia time if there is no break in the anesthesia team’s continuous care. A postoperative pain block can be done before anesthesia starts, after it ends, or during the case, and if it happens during the case, the anesthesia time is still billed normally and the block is billed separately.

Insurance can also affect what gets paid. Some plans require prior authorization, and coverage can depend on your plan, the surgery, and how complex your anesthesia care is. Verify the exact plan with your surgical or anesthesia team in case they want something different for you.