Pediatric Coding Alert

Plus: You'll find clarification on developmental testing codes 96110-96111. Last year, coders received a good dose of updates--and confusion--with the addition of several new vaccine administration codes. This year CPT® takes it easier on pediatric practices with a few changes to the code set which will create the need for updates, but not overhauls. At the top of the list this year, you'll find the following new codes for car seat testing: 94780 -- Car seat/bed testing for airway integrity, neonate, with continual nursing observation and continuous recording of pulse oximetry, heart rate and respiratory rate, with interpretation and report; 60 minutes +94781 -- ...each additional full 30 minutes (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) "The car seat testing services will primarily be done in facility settings, but will be valued with facility and non-facility payment amounts," says Richard Tuck, MD, FAAP, pediatrician at PrimeCare of Southeastern [...]