0 code page views remaining today. Guest accounts are limited to 2 daily page views. Register free account to get more views.
Log in Register free account
Code deleted. Use 99155, 99156, or 99157. See Guidelines below for more information.

Official Description

Moderate sedation services (other than those services described by codes 00100-01999), provided by a physician or other qualified health care professional other than the health care professional performing the diagnostic or therapeutic service that the sedation supports; each additional 15 minutes intra-service time (List separately in addition to code for primary service)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Moderate sedation services, as defined by CPT® Code 99150, refer to the administration of sedative agents to patients undergoing diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. These services are specifically provided by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional who is not the individual performing the primary procedure that necessitates sedation. The process begins with a thorough patient assessment to ensure safety and appropriateness for sedation. An intravenous (IV) line is then established, allowing for the administration of fluids and sedative medications as required. Throughout the procedure, the patient's vital signs, including oxygen saturation, heart rate, and blood pressure, are continuously monitored to ensure their safety and comfort. After the procedure is completed, the healthcare professional responsible for sedation continues to observe the patient until they have sufficiently recovered from the effects of the sedative, at which point the patient can be safely handed over to nursing staff for ongoing care. It is important to note that for patients younger than five years old, the initial 30 minutes of moderate sedation is coded using 99148, while for patients aged five years or older, the appropriate code is 99149. CPT® Code 99150 is utilized to bill for each additional 15 minutes of intra-service time for patients of any age, ensuring that the sedation services provided are accurately captured and reimbursed.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

Moderate sedation services are indicated for patients undergoing various diagnostic or therapeutic procedures that may cause discomfort or anxiety. The following conditions or situations may warrant the use of moderate sedation:

  • Diagnostic Procedures Procedures such as endoscopies, colonoscopies, or other invasive diagnostic tests that may induce discomfort.
  • Therapeutic Procedures Interventions that require patient cooperation but may be uncomfortable, such as certain surgical procedures or manipulations.
  • Patient Anxiety Situations where patients exhibit significant anxiety or fear regarding the procedure, necessitating sedation for their comfort.

2. Procedure

The procedure for administering moderate sedation involves several critical steps to ensure patient safety and comfort throughout the process. Each step is outlined as follows:

  • Step 1: Patient Assessment Prior to the administration of sedation, a comprehensive assessment of the patient is conducted. This includes reviewing the patient's medical history, current medications, allergies, and any previous experiences with sedation. The healthcare professional evaluates the patient's overall health status to determine the appropriateness of moderate sedation.
  • Step 2: Establishing IV Access An intravenous line is inserted to facilitate the administration of sedative agents and fluids. This step is crucial as it allows for rapid delivery of medications and ensures that the patient remains hydrated during the procedure.
  • Step 3: Administration of Sedative Agents Once IV access is established, the healthcare professional administers the sedative agent. The choice of sedative and dosage is tailored to the individual patient's needs, taking into account their age, weight, and medical history.
  • Step 4: Monitoring Vital Signs Throughout the procedure, continuous monitoring of the patient's vital signs is performed. This includes tracking oxygen saturation levels, heart rate, and blood pressure to ensure the patient remains stable and safe during sedation.
  • Step 5: Post-Procedure Monitoring After the completion of the diagnostic or therapeutic procedure, the healthcare professional continues to monitor the patient until they have adequately recovered from the effects of the sedation. This monitoring is essential to ensure that the patient is alert and stable before being transferred to nursing staff for further care.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the administration of moderate sedation and the completion of the procedure, the patient is closely monitored for any adverse reactions or complications related to the sedation. The healthcare professional remains vigilant in observing the patient's responsiveness and vital signs until the patient has sufficiently recovered. Once the patient is stable and alert, they can be safely handed over to nursing staff for ongoing care. It is important to provide the patient and their caregivers with post-procedure instructions, including information on potential side effects of the sedation, activity restrictions, and when to seek further medical attention if necessary.

Short Descr MOD SED DIFF PHYS/QHP ADD ON
Medium Descr MODERATE SEDATJ DIFF PHYS/QHP EA ADDL 15 MIN
Long Descr Moderate sedation services (other than those services described by codes 00100-01999), provided by a physician or other qualified health care professional other than the health care professional perfo
Status Code Carriers Price the Code
Global Days ZZZ - Code Related to Another Service
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 9 - 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 Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates
Type of Service (TOS) 7 - Anesthesia
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) Y1 - Other - Medicare fee schedule
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 232 - Anesthesia
Date
Action
Notes
2016-12-31 Deleted Code deleted. Use 99155, 99156, or 99157. See Guidelines below for more information.
2013-01-01 Changed Description Changed
2006-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2006.
1993-12-31 Deleted Code deleted.
Code
Description