Cardiology Coding Alert

Here's what new code 90470 really means for your claims. The AMA fast-tracked a CPT code for H1N1 vaccine administration, so to avoid denials, you're now going to have to check which of three administration code options your major payers want. 1. Apply 90470 for Many Private Payers There's no need to wait for Jan. 1 to use a brand-new CPT code for H1N1 vaccine administration -- 90470 (H1N1 immunization administration [intramuscular] [intranasal] including counseling when performed]) is effective immediately, announced the AMA in "CPT Codes for 2009 H1N1 Influenza Immunizations"(www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/h1n1/resources/cpt-codes.shtml). In addition, CPT revised the existing flu vaccine code from a generic pandemic code to specify H1N1. Revised code 90663 will now read "Influenza virus vaccine, pandemic formulation, H1N1." The revision adds "H1N1" to the descriptor shown in your CPT 2009 manual. Remember: You should not charge for the vaccine.According the CDC Web site, the "2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine and ancillary [...]