Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Question: We-ve been offering flu shots to some of our patients. How should we report this if it's on the same day as a chemo infusion?

Louisiana Subscriber

Answer: You should use an initial code (such as 96413, Chemotherapy administration, intravenous infusion technique; up to 1 hour, single or initial substance/drug) for the chemotherapy infusion.

For Medicare, you typically report 90658 (Influenza virus vaccine, split virus, when administered to 3 years of age and older, for intramuscular use) and G0008 (Administration of influenza virus vaccine) with diagnosis code V04.81 (Need for prophylactic vaccination and inoculation against certain viral disease; influenza) for the vaccination.

For private payers, you typically report 90658 and 90471 (Immunization administration [includes percutaneous, intradermal, subcutaneous or intramuscular injections]; one vaccine [single or combination vaccine/toxoid]) with V04.81

Codes 90655-90660 all describe influenza vaccines (intramuscular and intranasal), so check your documentation to be sure you-re using the correct code.