Primary Care Coding Alert

Plus: Subsequent observation codes apply to longer hospital stays.CPT 2011 is just around the corner, and brings some welcome additions to your observation care and vaccine administration coding choices.Best news: The new vaccine administration codes are expected to help boost physicians' bottom lines.Vaccine Codes Note Wider Age RangePrevious editions of CPT included vaccine administration codes (90465-90468) for children younger than 8 years of age when the physician counseled the patient/family. CPT 2011 introduces two administration codes that expand the concept to include adolescents and teens and eliminates the distinction based on route of administration:90460 -- Immunization administration through 18 years of age via any route of administration, with counseling by physician or other qualified health care professional; first vaccine/toxoid component 90461 -- ... each additional vaccine/toxoid component (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).You could find yourself frequently relying on 90460 and 90461 if your physician often provides counseling in [...]