Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Cheer for this 1-to-1 correlation.

Mumps is a virus common in children that can lead to fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite. Swelling of the salivary glands follows these symptoms. No treatment is available for mumps, but the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine can prevent it. Right now, you'll report this condition with 072.9 (Mumps without complication).

After October 1, 2013, you will report B26.9 (Mumps without complication) instead. Notice how the code descriptors are the same.

Documentation: When a patient presents to the office with mumps, the otolaryngologist should immediately assess the damage and find an appropriate treatment. The physician bases her diagnosis on symptoms, personal medical history, and physical exam. A patient with this condition usually does not require any test.

Coder tips: Mumps is one cause of glomerulonephritis. In general, the condition lasts about 10-12 days and has no specific treatment.

For administration of the MMR vaccine to a child aged 18 years and younger, you would bill 90460 (Immunization administration through 18 years of age via any route of administration, with counseling by physician or other qualified health care professional; first vaccine/toxoid component) and two units of 90461 (... each additional vaccine/toxoid component [List separately in addition to code for primary procedure]) for the vaccine's three components (measles, mumps and rubella).