Pediatric Coding Alert

READER QUESTIONS:

Include Oxygen Administration in E/M Service

Question: When an office patient requires oxygen, what CPT Codes should I use for administering this service?


New York Subscriber
Answer: CPT does not contain any oxygen administration codes--it bundles the oxygen into the day’s E/M service. You should report the appropriate office visit code that describes the service the pediatrician performs and documents.

Example: A pediatrician performs a detailed history, detailed examination and moderate-complexity medical decision-making before administering oxygen to a patient who is having an anaphylactic reaction to an allergy injection. You should assign 99214 (Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient …), as well as any additional procedures and special services.
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