Internal Medicine Coding Alert
You Be The Coder:
Spirometry/Volume Loop Encounters
Published on Thu Mar 27, 2008 
PDF
PDF
Question:
Texas Subscriber
Answer:
In your scenario, Medicare won't pay separately for the loop, though some private payers might. (Check your private carrier contracts for more specific information.)When the insurer bundles the flow volume loop into the spirometry, report the following:• 94010 (Spirometry, including graphic record, total and timed vital capacity, expiratory flow rate measurement[s], with or without maximal voluntary ventilation) for the spirometry
• modifier 26 (Professional component) linked to 94010 to show that you are billing for only the professional portion of the procedure when provided in a facility setting
• 786.05 (Shortness of breath) linked to 94010 to represent the patient's breathing trouble.
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