CO-194Contractual ObligationCoding
CO-194 Denial Code: Anesthesia by operating physician not covered
Anesthesia performed by the surgeon/attending themselves isn't separately payable (beyond minimal local anesthesia built into the procedure).
Why CO-194 happens
- ●Surgeon billed separate anesthesia for their own procedure
- ●Moderate sedation billing rules misapplied
How to fix a CO-194 denial
- 1
If moderate sedation codes legitimately apply, rebill under those rules
- 2
Otherwise write off — included in the surgical allowance
How to prevent it
Bill separate anesthesia only for qualified anesthesia providers.
Drowning in CO-194 denials?
OakClaim works every denial within 48 hours and builds prevention rules so they stop recurring.