Final answer:
The correct modifier to report the anesthesiologist's service for monitored anesthesia care in a 78-year-old patient undergoing cataract surgery is 00142-AA, indicating the service was personally performed by the anesthesiologist.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct modifier to report the anesthesiologist's service for monitored anesthesia care (MAC) given to a 78-year-old patient undergoing cataract surgery is 00142-AA. Modifier AA indicates that the service was personally performed by the anesthesiologist. Monitored anesthesia care involves the continuous evaluation of the patient's physiological status and the provision of support required to ensure the patient's safety and comfort.
An appropriate pre-anesthesia assessment is conducted, which includes verifying the patient's identity, surgical site and procedure, and consent, ensuring the surgical site is marked, confirming the function of a pulse oximeter, evaluating the patient for allergies, assessing the airway and aspiration risk, and having the necessary equipment and assistance available, as listed in the reference points provided with the question.