Pulmonology Coding Alert

Question: A 30-year-old woman presents to an outpatient office for a history of asthma and rapidly worsening shortness of breath and wheezing. The pulmonologist obtained a history, and examination confirms severe airflow obstruction. She also reduced peak expiratory flow, provided supplemental oxygen and 2 L/min via nasal cannula. Then the physician ordered continuous nebulizer treatment, albuterol 10 mg/h, administered for three hours in the office. After symptoms and PEFR improve, the physician reassessed the patient, and dismissed her home with modification of prescriptions for ongoing care. How should I report this?Kansas SubscriberAnswer: For this service, you would code the continuous nebulizer treatment as:94644 -- Continuous inhalation treatment with aerosol medication for acute airway obstruction; first hour (once)94645 -- Continuous inhalation treatment with aerosol medication for acute airway obstruction; each additional hour [List separately in addition to code for primary procedure] (for 2 additional h) the medication code J7613 (Albuterol, inhalation solution, fda-approved [...]