Reader Questions:
Concurrent Push Isn't Equal to Concurrent Infusion
Published on Wed Sep 26, 2007
Question: Which CPT codes should I use for the following report? I-m confused about which code to use for the second chemotherapy drug: Pre Meds J1626-Kytril 20 mg 14:35-14:45 10 MIN
J1100-Decadron 6 mg 14:35-14:45 10 MIN
(drugs mixed in a single syringe) Chemo J9201 Gemar 1 g 14:45-15:20 35 MIN
J9390 Navelbine 40 mg 15:20 15:40 20 MIN
North Carolina Subscriber Answer: Report the initial chemotherapy code (Gemar) with one unit of 96413 (Chemotherapy administration, intravenous infusion technique; up to 1 hour, single or initial substance/drug). For the sequential Navelbine administration, you should report one unit of 96417 (- each additional sequential infusion [different substance/drug], up to 1 hour). The Kytril and Decadron administration times indicate that the provider administered them as a concurrent push, so you should report only one unit of +90775 (Therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic injection [specify substance or drug]; each additional sequential intravenous push of a new substance/drug) to reflect both. Note: You shouldn't report +90768 (Intravenous infusion, for therapy, prophylaxis or diagnosis [specify substance or drug]; concurrent infusion) because it describes a concurrent infusion, rather than a push.