Reader Questions: Avoid Temptation to Code Oxygen Administration

Question: When an office patient requires oxygen, what CPT code should I use for administering this service?

New York Subscriber

Answer: CPT does not contain separate oxygen administration codes -- it bundles the oxygen into the E/M service you report for the day. You should report the appropriate office visit code that describes the service the pulmonologist performs and documents.
 
Example: A pulmonologist performs a detailed history, detailed examination and moderate-complexity medical decision-making before administering oxygen to a patient who is having an anaphylactic reaction to an allergy injection. You should assign 99214 (Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient …) and any separately billable procedures and special services.