Pulmonology Coding Alert

Question: When billing code 94060 (bronchospasm evaluation: spirometry as in 94010, before and after bronchodilator [aerosol or parenteral]), should the professional modifier, -26, be attached? Does this code include the spirometry?

Ohio Subscriber

Answer: The codes 94010 and 94060 include both a professional and technical component. So, when the service is performed in a hospital or outpatient hospital setting, the physician would bill the appropriate code with a -26 modifier (professional component), and his or her documentation would be a separate, signed written report and interpretation of the study.