Physical status modifiers codes represent the way a patient’s physical condition affects the procedure. In other words, physical status modifiers for anesthesia describe the level of risk of the procedure taken. Hence, by using modifiers from P1 to P6, an anesthesiologist is able to include it into a formula for the procedure and a unit report. The formula includes the base anesthesia code + time + physical status modifiers. For example, P1, P2, and P6 patients have a zero value of risk, while P3 – a patient with a severe systematic disease has a value 1, P3 – a patient with a severe systematic disease that is a threat to life has a value of two. Finally, P5 has a risk value of three and refers to moribund patients who are not expected to survive without the operation. Therefore, the value of a physical status modifier is added to the report and the five-digit procedure code.
The example of the role of the physical status modifier can be seen in the case of P1. This entails that the operated patient is a healthy one with no chronic diseases which pose a threat to life. Moreover, a person considered a P1 patient is a non-smoker with a body mass index lower than 30 (no obesity), and with good exercise tolerance. For example, a generally healthy person may need an operation for a torn meniscus. The value of risk for this type of physical status modifier is zero. Therefore, in the procedure report, an anesthesiologist evaluates the risk of operation by including zero to a five-digit procedure code. This allows a specialist to choose suitable anesthesia that would meet the needs of the procedure and would not cause harm to the patient according to his physical status.
Reference
Merrick, S. K. (2021). Physical status and qualifying circumstances. ASA Monitor, 85(12), 38. Web.