Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Question: Can we report a code for our oncologist disconnecting a pump following chemotherapy administration? Our oncologist's notes do not specify whether the pump was intra-arterial or intravenous.

Vermont Subscriber

Answer: CPT doesn't list a separate code for discontinuing a prolonged infusion. Typically, the nurse disconnects a pump; if so, you should report 99211 (Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient ...)
 
Remember to use 96414 (Chemotherapy administration ...; infusion technique, initiation of prolonged infusion [more than 8 hours], requiring the use of a portable or implantable pump) for the initiation of each chemotherapy protocol. When your physician or nurse refills the pump, report 96520 (Refilling and maintenance of portable pump) or 96530 (Refilling and maintenance of implantable pump or reservoir for drug delivery, systemic [e.g., intravenous, intra-arterial]).