Pediatric Coding Alert
Just When 90471-90474 Are Becoming Old Hat, CPT Throws You a Curve
*Note: CPT 1999 introduced vaccine-administration codes 90471-90474, which CPT 2000 clarified.
Clip and post your guide to choosing the right vaccine-administration code set
You can successfully code vaccine administration - if you know when to switch between 90465-90468 and 90471-90474.
Pediatricians and pediatric coders have only had six years* to practice billing 90471-90474. But CPT 2005 introduces 90465-90468, making vaccine administration coding even more complicated.
Insurers were just beginning to recognize the "old" codes. So, you may need to educate payers on these new codes, effective Jan. 1.
You'll also need to acquaint your staff on the proper use of 90465-90474. Until the codes become second nature, laminate and carry around (or post) this flow chart.
When coding immunization administration, ask yourself two questions:
Pediatric Coding Alert
- CPT 2005 Update:
Pediatricians Receive Vaccine-Administration Work Pay
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Clip and post your guide to choosing the right vaccine-administration code set
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