In simple words: The anesthesia doctor helps keep a brain-dead patient's body working while their organs are being removed for donation. They make sure the organs get enough oxygen and blood flow until they are taken out.

The anesthesiology provider gives physiological support to a brain-dead patient during organ procurement. The anesthesiology provider performs the services required to supply physiological support during the procurement of organs by other providers from a brain-dead patient. The anesthesia provider works to maintain proper levels of blood perfusion and oxygenation in the organs and cells. The anesthesiology provider may administer drugs for muscle relaxation and to control reflexes based on the protocols established to prevent damage to the target organs. He monitors elements such as blood pressure and blood gases. Typically, anesthesia time ends after cross-clamping of the aorta.

Example 1: A patient is declared brain-dead following a traumatic brain injury. Anesthesiology services are provided during the surgical removal of the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys for transplantation., A patient is declared brain-dead following a cerebrovascular accident. Anesthesiology support is provided while procuring the liver and kidneys for donation., An infant is declared brain-dead after a severe birth asphyxia. Anesthesia services are provided during the harvesting of the heart valves for transplantation.

Documentation should include the total anesthesia time, the specific organs harvested, any complications encountered, and a detailed record of the physiological parameters monitored and maintained during the procedure. Modifier P6 should be appended to the code to indicate that the patient is brain-dead and undergoing organ procurement.

** This code is typically reported to an organ procurement organization rather than a payer. Payment for these services may be handled differently than standard anesthesia billing.