Advanced Search

Pulmonology Coding Alert

CPT® 2012 Update:

Look to This Diffusing Capacity Change To Simplify Your PFT Reporting

Published on Mon Jan 30, 2012

CPT® simplifies reporting by combining two codes into one. Have you ever struggled with differentiating between pulmonary function tests such as carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) and membrane diffusion capacity (DMCO)? If your answer to this is yes, then you'll be pleased to hear that effective Jan.1, 2012, CPT® has reduced your burden by combining these two codes into a single code. Read on for more on this change and how to adjust your reporting of these tests. Note Benefits of Single Add-on Code Prior to the changes initiated in 2012, you needed to report carbon monoxide diffusing capacity and membrane diffusion capacity using different codes. This necessitated complex understanding of the procedures as well as knowing the differentiation between the two codes. "There was speculation that the codes were being reported incorrectly since the increase in utilization for 94725 was identified as 14% more than that of 94720 over [...]
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Pulmonology Coding Alert

View All