Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Keep these rules in mind for H1N1 coding.Several codes for pandemic formulation flu vaccines became effective in July and will appear in your 2011 CPT manual, but CMS is sticking to its G-code for H1N1 vaccine supply.Take a Peek at Pandemic CodesThe following "pandemic" formulation codes were available for use as of July 1, 2010, but their late release meant their first CPT manual appearance is in the 2011 manual. CPT lists these codes as "FDA approval pending":90664 -- Influenza virus vaccine, pandemic formulation, live, for intranasal use90666 -- Influenza virus vaccine, pandemic formulation, split virus, preservative free, for intramuscular use90667 -- Influenza virus vaccine, pandemic formulation, split virus, adjuvanted, for intramuscular use90668 -- Influenza virus vaccine, pandemic formulation, split virus, for intramuscular use.When you do use these codes, use them not for the regular flu, but for widespread illness, says Carol Pohlig, BSN, RN, CPC, ACS, senior coding and education specialist at the [...]