Internal Medicine Coding Alert

The September 2003 Internal Medicine Coding Alert article "Need to Ease Your Emphysema Coding Pains? 3 Tips for Boosting Your PFT Reimbursement," page 65, stated, "Be prepared with the proper codes when your internist orders a number of other diagnostic tests and PFTs. He or she can order a chest x-ray and diffusing capacity test, such as 94720 (Carbon monoxide diffusing capacity [e.g., single breath, steady state]). Also, your physician may request a lung volume test, 94260 (Thoracic gas volume) or 94350 (Determination of maldistribution of inspired gas: multiple breath nitrogen washout curve including alveolar nitrogen or helium equilibration time). But Medicare considers these PFTs bundled with spirometry." The last sentence should read, "Medicare does not bundle these PFTs with spirometry."