Advanced Search

Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

You Be the Coder:

Separate Code for Pump Disconnection

Published on Sat Sep 20, 2003

Question: Can we report a code for our oncologist disconnecting a pump following chemotherapy administration? Our oncologist's notes do not specify whether the pump was intra-arterial or intravenous.

Vermont Subscriber

Answer: CPT doesn't list a separate code for discontinuing a prolonged infusion. Typically, the nurse disconnects a pump; if so, you should report 99211 (Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient ...)
 
Remember to use 96414 (Chemotherapy administration ...; infusion technique, initiation of prolonged infusion [more than 8 hours], requiring the use of a portable or implantable pump) for the initiation of each chemotherapy protocol. When your physician or nurse refills the pump, report 96520 (Refilling and maintenance of portable pump) or 96530 (Refilling and maintenance of implantable pump or reservoir for drug delivery, systemic [e.g., intravenous, intra-arterial]).
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

View All