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Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Don't Confuse Spirometry and PFT

Published on Sat Jan 01, 2005

Question: We perform pulmonary function tests (PFTs) on an outpatient basis at the hospital, and we bill for PFTs and spirometry procedures with modifier -26. What is the difference between the codes for these services?

Connecticut Subscriber  Answer: There is no CPT code for pulmonary function tests. You should code for the specific tests the allergist administered to the patient. When the physician interprets the tests from a pulmonary function lab not owned by the practice, you should report 94010 (Spirometry, including graphic record, total and timed vital capacity, expiratory flow rate measurement[s], with or without maximal voluntary ventilation) with modifier -26 (Professional component) for simple spirometry (forced vital capacity with flows).
 
If the physician measures simple spirometry before and after bronchodilation, you should report 94060 (Bronchospasm evaluation: spirometry as in 94010, before and after bronchodilator [aerosol or parenteral]) with modifier -26 for the professional component.
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