Learn if Pulse Ox Is Included in a Walk Test
Question: A 72-year-old patient with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, confirmed by prior high-resolution CT (HRCT) showing a usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern, presents to the pulmonologist complaining of increasing exertional dyspnea. The pulmonologist orders a six-minute walk test. Continuous pulse oximetry shows desaturation to 85 percent, and oxygen is titrated to 3 L/min to keep saturation at 90 percent or above. The pulmonologist documents the interpretation. Can we bill the pulse oximetry with the six-minute walk test? South Dakota Subscriber Answer: Assign only 94618 (Pulmonary stress testing (eg, 6-minute walk test), including measurement of heart rate, oximetry, and oxygen titration, when performed) for this procedure. The code includes heart rate, oxygen titration, and pulse oximetry measurements, so using 94761 (Noninvasive ear or pulse oximetry for oxygen saturation; multiple determinations (eg, during exercise)) separately is unbundling and is incorrect. Double-check the documentation to ensure the record includes the walk distance, saturation values, and titration details to support the code selection and oxygen qualification. You’ll also use J84.112 (Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) to report the patient’s previously confirmed idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis diagnosis. Mike Shaughnessy, BA, CPC, Production Editor, AAPC
