Otolaryngology Coding Alert
Propellant-Driven Inhaler Falls Under 94664
Question: Should I use 94664 for education/training with the Advair diskus? Our allergist says "no," but our pediatricians say "yes." Wisconsin Subscriber Answer: Code 94664's descriptor specifies "demonstration and/or evaluation of patient utilization of an aerosol generator, nebulizer, metered dose inhaler or IPPB device." Part of teaching the proper technique in using an inhaler (either propellant-driven [Advair Diskus] or dry powder) is to demonstrate and evaluate. "In this respect, the code would seem appropriate to use for demonstration and evaluation," writes Gary N. Gross, MD, executive vice president of the Joint Council of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology in an e-mail response. "Unfortunately, not all payers will pay for this code," Gross adds. If practices abuse 94664, probably fewer payers will pay. To support reporting 94664, documentation should include an indication of medical necessity.
Otolaryngology Coding Alert
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