Part B Insider (Multispecialty) Coding Alert

Plus: Consider these lab tests officially 'CLIA-waived.'

Good news for physicians who administer flu shots -- CMS seems inclined to give practices a break with some of its recent updates to the seasonal influenza vaccines pricing, which CMS announced on Sept. 28. CMS boosted payment for four codes and reduced pay for one.

The Part B payment changes related to flu vaccines are as follows:

• 90654 -- Influenza virus vaccine, split virus, preservative-free, for intradermal use: $18.981 (up from $18.383 last year)
• 90655 -- Influenza virus vaccine, split virus, preservative free, when administered to children 6-35 months of age, for intramuscular use - $16.456 (up from $15.705 last year)
• 90656 -- Influenza virus vaccine, split virus, preservative free, when administered to individuals 3 years and older, for intramuscular use - $12.398 (up from $12.375 last year)
• 90657 -- Influenza virus vaccine, split virus, when administered to children 6-35 months of age, for intramuscular use - $6.023 (down from $6.653 last year)
• 90660 -- Influenza virus vaccine, live, for intranasal use - $23.456 (up from $22.316 last year)

For more on CMS's flu shot pricing, visit www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNMattersArticles/Downloads/MM8047.pdf