Pulmonology Coding Alert

Question: I prescribe CPAP to my patients with sleep apnea. Can I bill 94660? When and how often? Also, regarding 94664, does this apply to only nebulizer or metered-dose inhaler or both?

Maryland Subscriber

Answer: Code 94664 (aerosol or vapor inhalations for sputum mobilization, bronchodilation, or sputum induction for diagnostic purposes; initial demonstration and/or evaluation) applies to both. It can be billed only once per patient. Additional instances of instruction fall under 94665 ( subsequent).

You can bill 94660 (continuous positive airway pressure ventilation [CPAP], initiation and management), but not on the same day as your evaluation and management (E/M) charge. Carriers often operate under the guideline that the E/M charge would be the code to pay. Check with your local carrier to get confirmation.