Hi,
Two AAPC Certified Coders debated about proper billing for injection administration when the vaccine was not incurred by the practice. Pretty much in essence, the vaccine was not able at the practice so a retail pharmacy dispensed the vaccine vial (typhoid vaccine to be specific).
One coder opinion is to bill just for the injection administration (90471) because the practice should not bill insurer for vaccine it did not incur.
The other coder opinion was to bill the injection administration (90471) and vaccine (90691 in this instance) though the 90691 would be zero charge on the claim. Stated 90471 is an add-on procedure code and primary procedure is required in order to bill and be paid. Stated the insurer would not know which vaccine was given without the vaccine code.
Your inputs/opinion on proper way to handle this case.
Vincent
Two AAPC Certified Coders debated about proper billing for injection administration when the vaccine was not incurred by the practice. Pretty much in essence, the vaccine was not able at the practice so a retail pharmacy dispensed the vaccine vial (typhoid vaccine to be specific).
One coder opinion is to bill just for the injection administration (90471) because the practice should not bill insurer for vaccine it did not incur.
The other coder opinion was to bill the injection administration (90471) and vaccine (90691 in this instance) though the 90691 would be zero charge on the claim. Stated 90471 is an add-on procedure code and primary procedure is required in order to bill and be paid. Stated the insurer would not know which vaccine was given without the vaccine code.
Your inputs/opinion on proper way to handle this case.
Vincent
