Pulmonology Coding Alert
Complex Stress Tests Bundle CO2 and O2
Question: Our pulmonologist has been doing complex metabolic stress tests, and we're not quite sure that we are billing correctly. He says he is doing a cardiac stress test, monitoring PFTs, and taking numerous measurements of CO2 and O2. I think it should be 94621 (Pulmonary stress testing ...) plus the PFTs. Any thoughts or input? Michigan Subscriber Answer: According to CPT guidelines, complex stress tests measure the integration of cardiac and pulmonary function, along with the status of physical fitness. It includes measuring CO2 production and O2 uptake, along with performing PFTs. You should report 94621 because it represents the complete service provided by the pulmonologist.
The key to coding for this service is to know the procedures that are bundled with the complex metabolic stress testing. You can find the bundled codes in the Correct Coding Initiative edits.
Pulmonology Coding Alert
- CPT Update:
2003 Brings Needed Revisions to Nebulizer and Allergy Test Codes
Look out for some much-awaited revisions to pulmonology codes for 2003 that will greatly affect [...] - Modifier -59:
Know When to Use It and When to Avoid It
Using modifier -59 (Distinct procedural service) can optimize a pulmonologist's bottom line, but improper use [...] - You Be the Coder:
Tricky Nebulizer Codes
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at the [...] - News Brief:
OIG Issues Latest Work Plan
The HHS Office of Inspector General has released the work plan for the 2003 fiscal [...] - Reader Questions:
Billing X-Ray Interpretations
Question: How should I bill for x-ray interpretation when I do not own the equipment? [...] - Reader Questions:
Time:The Key E/M Component
Question: An established patient returned to the office to discuss a finding on a computed [...] - Reader Questions:
Complex Stress Tests Bundle CO2 and O2
Question: Our pulmonologist has been doing complex metabolic stress tests, and we're not quite sure [...] - Reader Questions:
Bronchospasm Evaluation Bundles
Question: We are having trouble coding for bronchospasm evaluations here at our office. Can we [...] - Reader Questions:
ECMO
Question: How should I code ECMO? Georgia Subscriber Answer: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a [...]
