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Narcosynthesis is a specialized procedure utilized in psychiatric settings that involves the intravenous administration of a sedative agent, such as amobarbital (commonly known as Amytal), thiopental (Pentothal), or pentobarbital (Nembutal). This technique is employed for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, allowing healthcare professionals to engage with patients in a unique state of consciousness. During the procedure, an intravenous line is established to facilitate the delivery of a 5% solution of the chosen sedative. The administration occurs at a controlled rate of 25-50 mg per minute, with the total dosage typically ranging from 200-500 mg, depending on the patient's needs and response. As the sedative is administered, the physician maintains communication with the patient, monitoring their physical responses to gauge the level of sedation achieved. Indicators such as lateral nystagmus may suggest light sedation, while slurred speech may indicate a deeper level of sedation. The physician may pause the administration of the sedative once the desired state is reached, and then resume it at a rate that sustains this level of sedation. Patients undergoing narcosynthesis often enter a relaxed and drowsy state, which can lead to increased talkativeness and spontaneity. This altered state of consciousness can be particularly beneficial for diagnosing mental disorders, as it may encourage patients to express thoughts and feelings that are typically suppressed. Furthermore, the calming effects of the sedatives can assist patients in recalling and processing traumatic memories or images, thereby providing therapeutic benefits in addition to diagnostic insights.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure of narcosynthesis is indicated for various psychiatric diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. It is particularly useful in situations where traditional methods of communication may be ineffective or where patients may be experiencing significant anxiety or resistance. The following conditions may warrant the use of narcosynthesis:
The procedure of narcosynthesis involves several critical steps to ensure patient safety and effectiveness of the treatment. The following outlines the procedural steps involved:
After the completion of the narcosynthesis procedure, patients are typically monitored for any adverse reactions to the sedative. It is essential to ensure that the patient is stable and that the effects of the sedative have diminished before discharge. Patients may experience residual drowsiness, and it is advised that they refrain from driving or operating heavy machinery for a specified period following the procedure. Additionally, follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss the insights gained during the narcosynthesis and to plan further therapeutic interventions as needed.
| Short Descr | NARCOSYNTHESIS | Medium Descr | NARCOSYNTHESIS PSYC DX&THER PURPOSES | Long Descr | Narcosynthesis for psychiatric diagnostic and therapeutic purposes (eg, sodium amobarbital (Amytal) interview) | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 0 - 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 | Codes That May Be Paid Through a Composite APC | Type of Service (TOS) | 1 - Medical Care | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | M5B - Specialist - psychiatry | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 218 - Psychological and psychiatric evaluation and therapy |
| 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. | UA | Medicaid level of care 10, as defined by each state | 25 | Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional on the same day of the procedure or other service: it may be necessary to indicate that on the day a procedure or service identified by a cpt code was performed, the patient's condition required a significant, separately identifiable e/m service above and beyond the other service provided or beyond the usual preoperative and postoperative care associated with the procedure that was performed. a significant, separately identifiable e/m service is defined or substantiated by documentation that satisfies the relevant criteria for the respective e/m service to be reported (see evaluation and management services guidelines for instructions on determining level of e/m service). the e/m service may be prompted by the symptom or condition for which the procedure and/or service was provided. as such, different diagnoses are not required for reporting of the e/m services on the same date. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 25 to the appropriate level of e/m service. note: this modifier is not used to report an e/m service that resulted in a decision to perform surgery. see modifier 57 for significant, separately identifiable non-e/m services, see modifier 59. |
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| 1998-01-01 | Added | Code added |
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