Which modifier reports anesthesia services performed by an anesthesiologist?

The modifier that reports anesthesia services performed by an anesthesiologist is AA. This modifier specifically indicates that the anesthesia service was personally performed by an anesthesiologist, distinguishing it from other types of anesthesia providers, such as nurse anesthetists.

When coding for anesthesia services, it's essential to denote who administered the anesthesia, as the reimbursement and billing practices can differ based on the provider's qualifications and the nature of the procedure. By using the AA modifier, coders communicate that the anesthesiologist was directly involved in the delivery of anesthesia, which can affect both the payment rates and the compliance with reporting requirements.

The other modifiers listed serve different purposes. For instance, QZ is used for anesthesia services performed by a nurse anesthetist when no physician is present, while AD and QK are related to the medical direction and supervision by a physician over multiple anesthesia providers, which is not relevant when billing for services specifically delivered by an anesthesiologist. Understanding these distinctions helps ensure accurate coding and reimbursement in anesthesia services.