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Practice Management Alert

Reader Question:

MA Shot Administration Won't Support E/M

Published on Thu Oct 18, 2012

Question: This is the first year we are considering providing FluMist without a physician visit. Our medical assistants (MAs) will be administering the shot after a questionnaire is filled by the parent. The MAs do not qualify to bill 90460. Should we report 90471 or 90473 for the FluMist? Or should we opt for 99212?New Hampshire Subscriber Answer: Your best bet is to bill 90473 (Immunization administration by intranasal or oral route; 1 vaccine [single or combination vaccine/toxoid]). You cannot report 99212 since the medical assistant cannot report that code and no physician saw the patient face-to-face during your visit. If your state law allows it and has communicated that to you in writing, 99211 is an option to report with 90473, since the MA did go over the questionnaire with the patient. Keep in mind that 99211 must be supported by a medically necessary E/M service and will required you to [...]
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