Part B Insider (Multispecialty) Coding Alert

3 Steps Pinpoint the Right Flu Shot Code

Selecting the right codes for a flu shot visit is as easy as 1-2-3. Follow these simple steps:

1. Determine the patient's age.  For all patients three-years-old and above, select one of the following:

• 90656--Influenza virus vaccine, split virus, preservative-free, for use in individuals 3 years of age and above, for intramuscular use

• 90658--Influenza virus vaccine, split virus, for use in individuals 3 years of age and above, for intramuscular use.

For patients between six and 35 months, choose from CPT 90655 and 90657.

2. Choose between preservative-free and regular vaccine. The only difference between the two vaccine codes in each age category is that one denotes a preservative-free vaccination. Check the documentation or the vaccine's packaging to determine which type the patient received, Cobuzzi says.

3. Make sure the vaccine wasn't intranasal. For all intranasal vaccines, you should report 90660 (Influenza virus vaccine, live, for intranasal use).

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