01961 Anesthesia cesarean delivery only
Also known as: cesarean anesthesia, C-section anesthesia, spinal for C-section
Anesthesia for cesarean delivery only. Covers anesthesia for cesarean section when a new anesthetic is started specifically for the operative delivery, not converted from an existing labor epidural.
In Plain Language
anesthesia for C-section; being numbed or put to sleep for cesarean delivery
Clinical Context
Used when anesthesia is provided specifically for cesarean delivery as a new anesthetic (not converted from labor epidural). Typically spinal anesthesia for elective cesarean or general anesthesia for emergent situations. Distinguished from 01968 which is for cesarean following labor neuraxial.
RVU Information
CPT 01961 does not have a physician work RVU assigned by CMS. Anesthesia codes use a base unit + time unit system rather than standard RVUs. Contact your payer for the anesthesia conversion factor.
Billing & Documentation
Anesthesia codes are billed using base units plus time units. One time unit typically equals 15 minutes of anesthesia time. Document start and stop times, patient status (P1-P6), and any qualifying circumstances. Modifiers AA, QK, QX, or QY indicate the provider arrangement.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 01961?
CPT 01961 (Anesthesia cesarean delivery only) is a Anesthesia code. Anesthesia for cesarean delivery only. Covers anesthesia for cesarean section when a new anesthetic is started specifically for the operative delivery, not converted from an existing labor epidural.
How is anesthesia code 01961 billed?
Anesthesia code 01961 is billed using base units plus time units (1 unit = 15 minutes). Used when anesthesia is provided specifically for cesarean delivery as a new anesthetic (not converted from labor epidural). Typically spinal anesthesia for elective cesarean or general anesthesia for emergent situations. Distinguished from 01968 which is for cesarean following labor neuraxial. Used by anesthesiology, obstetric anesthesiology.
When is CPT 01961 used?
Used when anesthesia is provided specifically for cesarean delivery as a new anesthetic (not converted from labor epidural). Typically spinal anesthesia for elective cesarean or general anesthesia for emergent situations. Distinguished from 01968 which is for cesarean following labor neuraxial.
Track This Code in RVU Edge
Log procedures, calculate wRVUs, and benchmark against MGMA data — all in one app.
CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.