Which modifier indicates that anesthesia services were personally performed by the anesthesiologist?

The modifier that indicates anesthesia services were personally performed by the anesthesiologist is AA. This modifier is specifically used to denote that the anesthesia provider, in this case, the anesthesiologist, administered the anesthesia personally rather than delegating it to a nurse anesthetist or another assistant.

In the context of anesthesia billing, different modifiers provide essential information about how the services were delivered. Understanding these distinctions is critical for accurate coding and reimbursement. When the AA modifier is used, it signifies that the anesthesiologist was directly involved in the patient's care, ensuring that the payer recognizes the level of service provided.

Other modifiers like QK indicate that the anesthesia was performed under medical direction of another qualified anesthesiologist, while QX denotes that the anesthesia was primarily performed by a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) under medical direction. QZ is used when the CRNA provides service without medical direction. Each of these modifiers serves a specific purpose in identifying the role of the anesthesia provider, reinforcing the appropriateness of using AA for anesthesia services personally performed by the anesthesiologist.