Establishing an Acute Pain

Service in Private Practice

and Updates on Regional
Anesthesia Billing
a,b c,d,
Christopher A.J. Webb, MD , T. Edward Kim, MD *

KEYWORDS
 Acute pain service  Postoperative pain  Private practice  Regional anesthesia
 Billing

KEY POINTS
 Pain management by an acute pain service (APS) can improve patient outcomes such as
decreasing pain intensity, increasing patient satisfaction, shortening hospital length of
stay, and decreasing risk of persistent postsurgical pain syndrome.
 An APS can implement and sustain perioperative pain management protocols that include
regional anesthesia for postsurgical patients.
 Roles of an APS include individualized postoperative pain management, education of
health care providers, assessment of patient safety and quality of care, and institution
of established billing practices.
 A successful APS will require multidisciplinary collaboration as well as support from mem-
bers of the anesthesiology group.
 When establishing a peripheral nerve block program, it is recommended to focus on 1 or 2
surgical patient populations and then gradually expand to other surgical specialties.

Financial Support: None.

Disclosure Statement: The authors have nothing to disclose.
a
Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Kaiser Permanente South San
Francisco Medical Center, 1200 El Camino Real, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA;
b
Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California San Francisco
School of Medicine, 521 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; c Anesthesiology
and Perioperative Care Service, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, 3801 Miranda
Avenue (112A), Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA; d Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative
and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA
94305, USA
* Corresponding author. Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care Service. VA Palo Health Care
System, 3801 Miranda Avenue (112A), Palo Alto, CA 94304.
E-mail address: tekim@stanford.edu

Anesthesiology Clin 36 (2018) 333–344

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anclin.2018.04.005 anesthesiology.theclinics.com
1932-2275/18/Published by Elsevier Inc.
334 Webb & Kim

INTRODUCTION

Postoperative pain management is one of the primary concerns for patients undergo-
ing surgery1,2 and a cause of delayed hospital discharge.3 Benefits of adequate post-
operative pain control include decreased patient morbidity4–6 and mortality7 and
potential reduction of persistent postsurgical8,9 and chronic10 pain. Although many
opioid and nonopioid analgesic modalities currently exist for treatment of pain, it is
recommended that such treatments occur within the context of an organized acute
pain service (APS)11 with additional emphasis on physicians with subspecialty training
in acute pain medicine.12 Implementation of an APS at nonacademic hospitals is not
only feasible but necessary to ensure that patients are offered the highest quality of
acute pain management.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF AN ACUTE PAIN SERVICE

Since the initial descriptions of an APS,13,14 hospitals worldwide have initiated analo-
gous services for treating acute postoperative pain.2,15–18 Although the roles of an APS
have evolved over the years, the current practice of acute pain medicine involves
assessment, treatment, and management of acute pain using multimodal analgesia11
that may include interventional procedures. Regional anesthesia and acute pain med-
icine (RAAPM) is a rapidly developing subspecialty of anesthesiology, and anesthesi-
ologists who are trained or have expertise in RAAPM are uniquely positioned to be
leaders in their hospitals to develop, implement, and direct acute pain services.12
Although the daily activities of an APS can differ depending on the practice setting,
the general responsibilities of an APS typically involve consistent clinical practice of
evidenced-based care, education of health care providers and patients, generation
of revenue by instituting established billing practices, and performance of routine au-
dits to assess quality of care and patient safety.
Patient Care
One of the most important roles of an APS is to develop surgery-specific pain manage-
ment protocols and enhanced recovery pathways. Clinical pathways delineate
sequence and timing of evidenced-based interventions and coordinate activities of
physicians, nurses, and other health care providers.14 Multimodal analgesic therapies
are recommended11 and can be integrated into clinical pathways. However, studies in
Europe and United States have shown that postoperative pain management protocols
are not commonplace15,16 and utilization of multimodal analgesic therapies can vary
dramatically depending on local hospital culture and physician preferences.17
The added value of an APS is having dedicated specialists implement and sustain
protocols or clinical pathways through daily care of surgical patients during the peri-
operative period. Having an APS was shown to be critical in adherence to an interdis-
ciplinary clinical pathway for surgery18 and is associated with statistically significant
decrease in postoperative pain scores.19
The primary clinical responsibility of an APS is to perform daily assessments of
acute pain patients and provide individualized treatment plans. This can include man-
agement of neuraxial or peripheral nerve block (PNB) procedures for hospitalized pa-
tients as well as making “telephone rounds” on patients at home with perineural
catheter infusions. In regard to postoperative pain management, an APS can be avail-
able as a consultative service to assist “as needed,” or arrangements can be made
with surgeons to routinely manage patients with history of difficult postoperative
pain control or patients at risk for chronic opioid use after surgery20,21 and persistent
postsurgical pain syndrome22,23 (Table 1). An APS can also serve as a consultative
 Establishing an Acute Pain Service 335

Table 1
Risk factors for persistent postsurgical pain

Preoperative Intraoperative Postoperative

Age < 40 y Tissue ischemia Uncontrolled acute pain
Female Nerve damage Sensory loss after surgery
Body mass index > 30 kg/m2 Repeat surgery Surgical complications (eg,
Preoperative pain (>1 mo) Breast surgery infection, hematoma, etc.)
History of chronic pain Thoracotomy, coronary artery Radiation therapy to surgical
Mood disorders (depression, bypass surgery site
anxiety, pain Amputations Neurotoxic medications (eg,
catastrophizing) Inguinal hernia repair chemotherapy)
Workers compensation Cesarean section delivery
Genetic

Adapted from Tiippana E, Hamunen K, Heiskanen T, et al. New approach for treatment of pro-
longed postoperative pain: APS out-patient clinic. Scand J Pain 2016;12:21.

resource for acute pain management in nonsurgical patients in medicine wards, emer-
gency departments, burn units, and hospice wards. To be successful, 24-h coverage
is recommended,13,16,24 including weekends and holidays, to address urgent issues
and provide continuity of care. Patients treated by an APS report lower pain intensity
scores; have less nausea, sedation, and pruritus; experience higher level of satisfac-
tion; and have shorter hospital length of stay (LOS).25

Administrative Duties
Instituting and maintaining hospital policies is often a prerequisite for an APS, espe-
cially if new clinical practices or medications are introduced. The APS must work
closely with surgeons, nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists, and hospital admin-
istrators to ensure that goals of patient care are aligned and patient safety concerns
are addressed. Hospital policies should clearly delineate responsibilities of providers
and standardize safe and reliable practices. The APS in conjunction with pharmacy
staff need to identify which local anesthetics and other analgesic medications are
on hospital formulary and select generally accepted regimens. Standardized medica-
tion order sets with specific concentrations have been shown to decrease prescribing
errors.26 In hospitals and ambulatory centers that use disposable PNB infusion de-
vices, pharmacists should be regularly informed about anticipated surgical case vol-
umes to ensure sufficient devices are available. Similarly, collaboration with facility
logistics specialists (eg, medical equipment or supply chain administrators) is recom-
mended to facilitate acquisition of commonly used equipment or supplies (eg, nerve
block kits, needles, catheters).

Education of Patients and Providers

Education regarding postoperative pain can help improve patients’ surgical experi-
ence and decrease health care costs.26,27 Educating patients before the day of sur-
gery on regional anesthesia techniques and/or anticipated postoperative pain
protocols has been shown to decrease anxiety,21 increase patient knowledge,22
and improve patient satisfaction.22,23 Patients who receive preoperative education
on regional anesthesia techniques are more likely to receive regional anesthesia on
the day of surgery24; however, the effects of education on postoperative pain levels
have been variable.21,25 For hospitals without a dedicated preoperative anesthesia
clinic, education on postoperative pain management can potentially take place during
336 Webb & Kim

the initial surgical consultation. Educational materials such as pamphlets or videos on

regional anesthesia and pain medications can be shared with patients during these
visits.
Education of nursing staff and other health care providers should be coordinated by
the APS. During the initial implementation of pain management protocols, APS along
with nurse educators or designated nursing “champions” should provide in-services
about safe medication administration practices as well as potential side effects or
adverse events. In addition, physical and occupational therapists should have a gen-
eral understanding of what type of motor and sensory block is expected after patients
receive regional anesthetic techniques. Periodic reevaluations and continuing educa-
tion need to be provided to account for possible changes to staff (eg, turnover) and
whenever policies are modified. Depending on the local anesthetic infusion device
company, clinical representatives may be available to train nursing staff on how to
connect infusion devices to indwelling perineural catheters using sterile techniques,
initiate a basal infusion, safely remove catheters, and troubleshoot problems with infu-
sion delivery systems.

Quality Assessment and Improvement

One of the ongoing efforts of an APS will be addressing issues related to quality of care
and patient safety. Performing routine audits can identify whether clinical goals are be-
ing achieved28,29 and present opportunities to collaborate with other providers to
improve patient outcomes. For example, in a hospital where PNBs are performed
for total knee and hip arthroplasty,hospital where PNBs are performed for total knee
and hip arthroplasty, implementation of a multidisciplinary fall prevention program
by an anesthesiologist-led APS can reduce rate of inpatient falls.27 Other potential
adverse events that should be monitored include medication side effects, neurologic
complications, catheter-related infections, medication order errors, infusion device
malfunctions, and patient complaints about inadequate pain control. When adverse
events transpire, the APS can take the lead in identifying probable causes, formulating
workable solutions, modifying policies, reinforcing patient and staff education, and
effectuating practice or system changes.

IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ACUTE PAIN SERVICE

The initial steps in setting up an APS is identifying its members and creating a sustain-
able work flow. Depending on staffing resources at each facility, the construct of an
APS will vary and the roles and responsibilities will likely change and expand over
time. Throughout the existence of an APS, but especially during the initial implemen-
tation process, it is imperative that the APS collaborate closely with hospital adminis-
trators, surgeons, pharmacists, and nurses because the success of new protocols and
pain treatments will require their support.

Organization
Depending on the size and staffing model of the anesthesiology group, either all or
select members of the group will participate in APS duties. Ideally, an anesthesiologist
with proficiency and experience in RAAPM will serve as the APS director who, if
needed, can recruit 2 to 3 anesthesiologists to form a leadership team to assist with
pain protocols, education of colleagues on PNBs, hospital staff in-servicing, and
meetings with hospital administrators.
If hospital resources are available, the inclusion of acute pain advanced practice
providers (eg, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, or clinical nurse specialists)
 Establishing an Acute Pain Service 337

can be a clinically and economically effective model.30 Especially in settings in which

anesthesiologists are assigned daily to operating room duties, advanced practice pro-
viders under the direction of the APS anesthesiologist can round on postoperative sur-
gical patients, address patient and nursing issues, formulate appropriate analgesic
regimens, respond to acute pain consults, and perform daily calls to patients at
home with perineural catheter infusions. They can also assist with education of pa-
tients, caregivers, and staff as well as participate in policy changes and quality
improvement projects. Advanced practice providers can also be considered to cover
call overnight and/or during weekends.
If advanced practice providers are not an option, the anesthesiology group must rely
on available staff. For example, the postcall anesthesiologist can perform inpatient
rounds, communicate management changes to the nursing staff and surgical teams,
and request follow-up from the anesthesiologist scheduler for the operating room. For
groups with an active labor analgesia service, the management of acute pain patients
can also be performed in part by the anesthesiologist assigned to cover labor and de-
livery. If the daily APS consists of a single anesthesiologist, collaboration with ward
nurses should be considered.31,32 Success with this model relies on education and
training of selected ward nurses (eg, pain resource nurses or pain management cham-
pions) who will take the lead in teaching ward nurses how to execute postoperative
pain treatment algorithms.31 In-services on how to monitor and manage patient-
controlled analgesia and epidural catheters as well as how to connect and trouble-
shoot PNB infusion devices will alleviate the workload of the on-call APS practitioner.

Regional Anesthesia
Depending on the staffing and scheduling model of the anesthesiology group, the APS
may or may not function as a dedicated regional anesthesia team. For some private
practice groups that use a physician-only model, assigning an anesthesiologist to
perform perioperative regional anesthesia techniques without billing for other anes-
thesia services may be challenging and even financially impractical. For groups func-
tioning within an anesthesia care model, having a dedicated APS regional anesthesia
team that can work in parallel with concurrent cases has been shown to decrease
anesthesia-controlled time and may allow for the addition of an extra case per day.32
During the nascent stages of a regional anesthesia program, it is recommended to
focus on 1 or 2 surgical patient populations and then gradually expand to other surgi-
cal specialties. This approach will afford opportunities to assess outcomes, receive
feedback, and make applicable systems changes to enhance the APS’s efforts. If
PNBs are being introduced into protocols for the first time, single-injection PNBs
have the advantages of not requiring advanced training and additional equipment
(eg, catheters and infusion devices) compared with performing continuous PNBs.
However, continuous perineural infusion of local anesthetic is recommended for pro-
longed postoperative pain control33 and is an evidence-based component of multi-
modal analgesic protocols for painful surgery.34 For groups considering continuous
PNBs, it is important to recognize the increased workload and cost in initiating and
maintaining a successful perineural catheter program. A collaborative decision needs
to be made about the type of infusion device to purchase balancing clinical features
(eg, basal rate options, patient bolus feature, total fillable volume, etc.) and cost.
Because both single-use (disposable) and reusable infusion pumps are commercially
available, each group needs to assess how to best incorporate one or both types of
devices for inpatients and outpatients. When a perineural catheter program is initiated,
the APS should provide patients with specific information about expected sensory and
motor block in the affected extremity, anticipated side effects (eg, leaking around
338 Webb & Kim

insertion), indications to pause infusions, and removal of perineural catheters at home.

Patients at home should also know how to contact the on-call APS when questions or
urgent issues arise. For certain surgeries, physiotherapists will perform home visits,
and in such scenarios, educating physical and occupational therapists on catheter
site assessment as well as catheter removal will allow them to relay necessary infor-
mation to the APS and assist patients with catheter removal. During initial discussions
about continuous PNBs with surgeons, clinical considerations such as anticoagula-
tion, weight-bearing status, and outpatient pain medication prescriptions need to be
clarified and communicated to patients and other health care providers.

Billing and Coding for Regional Anesthesia

A complete review of billing practices is beyond the scope of this article. Subse-
quently, key points will be summarized and updates to a previously published billing
article will be provided.35 It is recommended that the APS meet with the hospital billing
department, or billing company if applicable, to ensure compliance with established
practices.
Generally, surgeons are reimbursed for postoperative pain management as part of a
global surgical payment bundle. Regional anesthesia procedures performed by anes-
thesiologists for postoperative pain control, and not as part of the primary surgical
anesthetic, can be billed separately if certain requirements are met. As per the Na-
tional Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) Policy Manual for Medicare Services,36 epidu-
rals and PNBs can be billed for postoperative pain management if surgeons request
assistance with postoperative pain management, there is a procedure note in the pa-
tient’s medical record, and the regional anesthetic technique is not the primary mode
of intraoperative anesthesia (ie, if PNB will be reported for postoperative pain control,
the primary surgical anesthetic must be “general anesthesia, subarachnoid injection,
or epidural injection;” if the primary surgical anesthetic is “monitored anesthesia care,
conscious sedation, or regional anesthesia by peripheral nerve block,” PNB cannot be
reported separately for postoperative pain management). If the APS will manage sur-
gical patients for postoperative pain control after the end of the anesthesia service, the
“surgeon is responsible to document in the medical record the reason care is being
referred to the anesthesia practitioner.36”
Adopting systematic billing practices within the group can promote consistency and
efficiency. A standardized procedure note can ensure proper reporting of procedural
details and billing information. Components of a note can include name of referring
physician; indication and site of procedure; description of technique (eg, asepsis,
nerve localization modality like ultrasound guidance or nerve stimulation, etc.); local
anesthetic name, concentration, and volume; complications, if any; and provider infor-
mation (eg, name or identifier).35 For billing, correct International Statistical Classifica-
tion of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) and Current Procedural
Terminology (CPT) codes must be used. Table 2 lists commonly used CPT codes
for PNBs. For follow-up visits after day of surgery, CPT code 01996 is reported for
management of epidural or subarachnoid drug administration.36 For established inpa-
tients with peripheral nerve catheters, evaluation and management codes 99231 to
99233 can be used depending on extent of patient interview and examination,
complexity of decision-making, and time spent.37 For acute pain consultations, codes
99251 to 99255 can be used based on similar criteria.37
If PNBs are performed for postoperative pain control, adding modifier -59 to CPT
codes designates the procedure as a distinct and separate service and can help un-
bundle it from another service (ie, primary surgical anesthetic).36 Subsets of modifier
-59 were developed to provide reporting specificity and include XE (separate
 Establishing an Acute Pain Service 339

Table 2
Current procedural terminology codes for peripheral nerve blocks

Type Single Injection Continuous Infusion

Abdominal planea 64486 (unilateral) 64487 (unilateral)
(TAP, rectus sheath) 64488 (bilateral) 64489 (bilateral)
Axillary 64417 —
Brachial plexus 64415 64416
Femoral 64447 64448
Ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric 64425 —
Intercostal 64420 (single nerve) —
64421 (multiple nerves)
Lumbar plexus — 64449
Other 64450 —
Paravertebrala (thoracic) 64461 (single site) 64462b 64463
(second and additional sites)
Sciatic 64445 64446

Abbreviation: TAP, transversus abdominis plane.

a
Indicates imaging is included when performed.
b
Report separately in conjunction with 64461.
From American Medical Association. Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) 2018 Professional
Edition. Chicago: American Medical Association; 2018; with permission.

encounter), XS (separate structure), XP (separate practitioner), and XU (unusual

nonoverlapping service). Although these modifiers are not required per the 2018
NCCI policy manual, practitioners should become familiar with them because
“NCCI will eventually require use of these modifiers rather than modifier 59..36” Other
applicable modifiers for peripheral nerve block CPT codes include modifier -50 (bilat-
eral procedures) and modifier -51 (multiple procedures on same extremity).37
If ultrasound guidance is used as the mode of nerve localization, a charge can be
generated using CPT code 76942.35 This code includes reimbursement for image
acquisition and interpretation as well as maintenance and storage of ultrasound ma-
chines. If the ultrasound machine is not personally owned by the providing anesthesi-
ologist, modifier -26 should be added to only bill for the professional fee. It should be
noted that CPT codes for transversus abdominis plane blocks and paravertebral
blocks already include imaging as part of the reimbursement (see Table 2); subse-
quently, providers should not report ultrasound use separately to avoid duplicate
billing.

Potential Barriers and Implementation Strategies

One barrier for implementing an APS is cost.38 Groups that are productivity based must
factor the opportunity cost of managing acute pain patients instead of billing for surgi-
cal anesthesia services. One way to overcome this financial hurdle is hiring advanced
practice providers who function under the direction of an anesthesiologist-led
APS.30,39,40 Because benefits of RAAPM include cost savings by decreasing LOS in
hospital41 and intensive care units,42 as well as lowering patient morbidity4–6 and mor-
tality,7 arguments can be made that hospitals can provide funds for advanced practice
providers. Adequate pain management is a top priority for patients43 and a main deter-
minant of whether or not a patient recommends a hospital to others.38 Although an APS
may not generate substantial revenue for the hospital, the potential savings from
340 Webb & Kim

decreased hospitalization costs in addition to potential growth in surgical volume from

patients’ recommendations may prove to be beneficial in the long run.
For an APS to be successful, it is imperative to have full support from members of
the anesthesiology group. Furthermore, in certain models that will require APS partic-
ipation of all group members, the service should be able to function regardless of
which anesthesiologist is on call. Thus, a group must objectively assess its experience
level in managing patients with complex pain as well as their ability to perform and
manage PNBs. For practitioners needing additional PNB experience, attendance of
a 1-day standardized course may help provide the skills necessary to place perineural
catheters.44 Simulation-based as well as self-directed study has been shown to
improve ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia skills.45 Because surgeons can be
concerned about the unpredictable success rates of regional anesthesia tech-
niques,46 it is imperative that all members of the group obtain the training necessary
to produce consistent and predictable block outcomes.
Surgeon “buy in” is essential to launching an APS program. Especially for an APS
that will be involved with performing regional anesthesia, it is important to understand
and address potential concerns of surgeons. A study demonstrated that although
many surgeons recognize the benefits of regional anesthesia for postoperative pain
control, the primary reasons for not favoring regional anesthesia are fear of case de-
lays and unpredictable success rate.46 Possible ways to improve efficiency and pro-
duce consistent outcomes include standardization of the group’s techniques and
supplies.47 The group should decide in advance which PNBs will be performed and
ideally use similar procedural techniques. In regard to nerve localization, studies
have demonstrated that ultrasound guidance can result in faster sensory block onset
time,48 greater success in achieving surgical anesthesia,49 and less time to place peri-
neural catheters50 compared with nerve stimulation alone. If ultrasound is adopted,
further standardization of technique (ie, short- vs long-axis view, in-plane vs out-of-
plane needle) can be considered by the group to produce consistent block effects
and facilitate troubleshooting of perineural catheters. Similarly, having an algorithm
for local anesthetic type (ie, short- vs long-acting), concentration, and volume will
ensure predictable density of sensory blockade and duration. Time pressure was re-
ported by nonacademic anesthesiologists to be a major obstacle in implementing a
regional anesthesia program,51 and a regional anesthesia induction area47 (ie, “block
room”) located within the preoperative area or the postanesthesia care unit can mini-
mize delays if procedures can be performed concurrently with surgical cases. A block
room also allows for storage of and prompt access to block supplies, monitors, equip-
ment, and emergency medications including treatment of local anesthetic systemic
toxicity. For catheter placement, a block kit that includes sterile drapes and supplies
should be considered to minimize preparation time.

FUTURE DIRECTION OF PERIOPERATIVE PAIN MEDICINE

The current state of opioid abuse in the United States52,53 poses multiple challenges.
Patients taking chronic opioids preoperatively are known to have higher postoperative
opioid consumption, longer hospital LOS, increased rates of discharge to skilled
nursing or rehabilitation facilities, and increased risk for perioperative respiratory
depression.54–56 Between 2002 and 2011, the incidence of in-hospital postoperative
opioid overdose doubled in the United States and in-hospital mortality rate was 4
times greater for patients who overdosed compared with patients who did not.57
Physician prescribing patterns of postoperative opioids, although well intended, can
be oftentimes excessive58–60 and may lead to chronic opioid use following major
 Establishing an Acute Pain Service 341

and minor surgery.21,58 Similar to other comorbidities such as coronary artery disease
or hypertension that warrant evaluation preoperatively, patients with chronic pain or
patients at risk for postsurgical pain syndrome should undergo preoperative risk strat-
ification and optimization. The idea of a transitional22,61–63 or perioperative64 pain ser-
vice that can coordinate pain management before surgery and continue their care
after patients are discharged from the hospital has gained interest to optimize periop-
erative pain and opioid use. The multidisciplinary makeup of such a team includes an-
esthesiologists trained in acute and/or chronic pain medicine, acute pain nurses, pain
psychologists, physical therapists, and case managers.63 The transitional or perioper-
ative pain service can collaborate with APS to identify high-risk patients, taper preop-
erative opioids,65 institute nonopioid analgesics, and develop a perioperative pain
management plan.61,63 By maximizing nonopioid analgesics, in addition to biofeed-
back and physical therapy, transitional services have been shown to reduce the
amount of opioid used during the acute postoperative period22 and may mitigate
the progression to chronic postsurgical pain. Patients can also be referred early in their
pain progression to chronic pain specialists who can further assist in the management
of patients with complex pain.22,62,63

SUMMARY

Implementation of an APS can lead to improved patient outcomes. Keys to a success-

ful APS include leadership by anesthesiologists, interdisciplinary coordination, educa-
tion of patients and health care providers, standardization of regional anesthesia
procedures, and systematic billing practices. Given the current focus on perioperative
opioid use, an APS can provide individualized inpatient pain management, institute
multimodal analgesia, and collaborate with other providers involved with perioperative
pain management.

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