Pulmonology Coding Alert

Key: Focus on product and administration for complete reporting.When your pulmonologist provides pneumovax vaccines, don't miss out on reporting administration codes as this could lead to partial payments for the services rendered. Avoid leaving money on the table with these vaccine billing tips. Get Specific About These Items If your pulmonologist administers a pneumovax vaccine, ensure that she provides adequate documentation to support the medical necessity of providing the vaccine. Some instances of medical necessity will include age over 65 years with respiratory issues like asthma or COPD; patients with other medical conditions like congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus; and patients who are immunosuppressed (due to chemotherapy, HIV, after organ transplantation, or currently on immunosuppressive drugs).The documentation provided should also include details such as the type (manufacturer and lot #) of vaccine that is administered and the route of administration employed by your pulmonologist. The purpose of administration and [...]