Pulmonology Coding Alert

Don't let the almost $30 payment for technical services slip out of your pocket. Think coding pulse oximetry is easy because pulmonologists frequently perform this service? Think again. You should not bill it separately -- except on certain rare occasions. Otherwise, you run the risk of a denial. Background: Medical people often call pulse oximetry the "fifth vital sign," along with blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and respiration rate, and use it in different healthcaresettings. Pulmonologists and respiratory care specialists make good use of pulse oximetry, often using it as a component in monitoring other diagnostic studies and treatments. The real deal remains that reporting and reimbursement of the three related pulse oximetry codes are confusing. Ask these three questions, and get your money back free of billing blues. 1. Can I Report 94762 With Other Services? Yes, you can report overnight oximetry with 94762 (Noninvasive ear or pulse oximetry for [...]