Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Question: How should I code the diagnosis for allergy shots? Should I report V07.1 for the primary diagnosis, and the allergen(s) to which the patient is allergic for the secondary diagnosis?

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Answer: You should use the appropriate allergy code first and V07.1 (Desensitization to allergens) as a secondary code. The otolaryngologist administers immunotherapy because the allergen affects the patient's health. Using the allergy code first tells the payer why the patient needs immunotherapy.

For instance, a patient receives immunotherapy for dust, cats and pollen. You should report the appropriate diagnosis for each allergy. For the dust and cat dander, use 477.8 (Allergic rhinitis; due to other allergen). For the pollen allergy, assign 477.0 ( due to pollen). List the V code last.

Clinical and coding information for You Be the Coder and Reader Questions provided by Pamela Kulczar, CPC, CCP, medical office coordinator for the University of Texas Health Center at Tyler South Tyler Clinic in Tyler, Texas; Chrissy Letsen, CPC, billing coordinator with Metropolitan ENT in Alexandria, Va.; Pam Martin, administrator for Blue Ridge ENT and Facial Surgery in Princeton, W.Va.; Edie Scully, office administrator for Baton Rouge Ear, Nose and Throat in Louisiana; and Vicki Stephenson, account manager for Daniel Strub, MD, in Poway, Calif.