Pulmonology Coding Alert

Question: Our pulmonologists perform a set of procedures called indirect calorimetry or metabolic cart test. We have been told that 94680-94690 cover this procedure. We use 94680 most often, but when should we use 94681 and 94690?

Kentucky Subscriber

Answer: Code 94681 is reported for a laboratory procedure and interpretation of test results for oxygen uptake, expired gas analysis; including CO2 output, percentage oxygen extracted. The code applies to collecting expired air and evaluating oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide output and percentage oxygen.

Code 94690 is reported similarly for a lab test and interpretation of results for oxygen uptake, expired gas analysis; rest, indirect (separate procedure). The code applies to collecting expired air and evaluating oxygen uptake using indirect methods during rest.

This question was answered by Cindy Woodward, CPC, compliance specialist at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City.