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The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a regional anesthesia technique that targets the nerves supplying the anterior abdominal wall, specifically at the spinal levels of T6 to L1. This procedure is primarily utilized to manage postoperative pain following abdominal surgeries. By delivering anesthesia to the relevant nerve pathways, the TAP block serves as an adjunct therapy, enhancing pain control and potentially reducing the need for systemic opioids. The TAP block can be performed at various stages of the surgical process: preoperatively, intraoperatively, or postoperatively, depending on the clinical scenario and the surgeon's preference. In cases where the surgical incision is located laterally, a unilateral TAP block is often employed, providing effective pain relief on the side of the incision. Conversely, when the incision is made along the midline of the abdomen, a bilateral TAP block is indicated to ensure comprehensive analgesia. The procedure typically involves the administration of a long-acting local anesthetic, such as bupivacaine, which can offer pain relief for up to 36 hours with a single injection. However, when a continuous infusion technique is utilized, the duration of pain relief can extend from 36 to 72 hours, allowing for more sustained management of postoperative discomfort. Ultrasound guidance is frequently employed during the TAP block procedure, facilitating the visualization of the anatomical structures involved, including the layers of muscle and fascia. This imaging technique enhances the accuracy of needle placement and the distribution of the anesthetic agent. Various approaches, such as subcostal, oblique subcostal, lateral, and posterior, may be utilized to optimize the effectiveness of the block. Overall, the TAP block is a valuable tool in the realm of pain management for patients undergoing abdominal surgery, contributing to improved postoperative outcomes and patient comfort.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is indicated for various surgical and clinical scenarios, particularly those involving the anterior abdominal wall. The following conditions and situations warrant the use of this procedure:
The procedure for performing a transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block involves several detailed steps to ensure effective anesthesia delivery. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block procedure, patients are monitored for the effectiveness of pain relief and any potential complications. Expected recovery includes a reduction in postoperative pain, allowing for improved mobility and comfort. Continuous infusion or intermittent bolus injections of anesthetic will be administered as per the established pain management protocol. It is essential to monitor the catheter site for signs of infection or displacement, and to ensure that the patient is adequately informed about the expected duration of pain relief and any follow-up care required. Overall, the TAP block is designed to enhance the postoperative experience by providing targeted analgesia, thereby facilitating a smoother recovery process.
| Short Descr | TAP BLOCK BI BY INFUSION | Medium Descr | TAP BLOCK BILATERAL BY CONTINUOUS INFUSION(S) | Long Descr | Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block (abdominal plane block, rectus sheath block) bilateral; by continuous infusions (includes imaging guidance, when performed) | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 2 - 150% payment adjustment does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates | ASC Payment Indicator | Packaged service/item; no separate payment made. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P6B - Minor procedures - musculoskeletal | MUE | 1 |
| 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | XE | Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service | X4 | Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period | 51 | Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 80 | Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s). | 81 | Minimum assistant surgeon: minimum surgical assistant services are identified by adding modifier 81 to the usual procedure number. | AG | Primary physician | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | Q3 | Live kidney donor surgery and related services | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | X5 | Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician | XP | Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure |
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| 2015-01-01 | Added | Added |
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